One-third of Colombo CCTV cameras non-functional

Colombo, Dec. 4 (Daily Mirror) - Nearly one-third of CCTV cameras installed across Colombo are non-functional, severely undermining the city’s surveillance, traffic monitoring, and public safety operations, a recent audit of the Sri Lanka Police has revealed.

According to the audit report of 2024, 108 cameras were installed across 33 key locations in Colombo to support live video monitoring, detect traffic law violations, manage vehicle movement, and enhance safety of residents and visitors.

However, 37 cameras at 23 locations — including six locations where all cameras were found to be non-operational.

The Accounting Officer informed auditors that the system, installed 14 years ago, could no longer be repaired due to outdated technology. Proposals and cost estimates had been prepared to modernise the entire camera network in 2025, with necessary action already in progress.

The report also noted that the CCTV system continues to run on the Windows XP operating system, despite Microsoft ending support for it in 2014. The continued use of obsolete software has caused operational difficulties and heightened vulnerabilities, the auditors said.

The audit reported that the computer operating system required upgrading to modern standards without delay.

Police currently monitor traffic offences using CCTV cameras, and since February 1, 2024, violations captured in Colombo are processed through the CCTV Division, with fine sheets and footage dispatched to the police station nearest to the vehicle owner.

When contacted, a senior officer of the Police CCTV Division told the Daily Mirror that the police are upgrading the CCTV system with over Rs. 400 million investment and that the cameras were not repaired since the new programme was to be implimented by the end of this year.