Half of female constable posts in Sri Lanka Police vacant

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

The 2024 audit of the Sri Lanka Police has revealed significant shortages across several key police cadres, including a major shortfall in women police officers, with more than 4,000 posts remaining vacant.   

The report shows that only about half of the approved women constable positions are currently filled. The audit revealed that the approved cadre for women police constables is 10,000, yet only 5,973 officers were in service by the end of 2024. This leaves 4,027 vacancies, amounting to a 40 percent shortfall.   

The Accounting Officer said that new recruitment activities will be conducted in the future. The audit recommends that the vacancies be filled according to the approved cadre and that promotions be granted without delay.   

A similar concern was raised regarding the general police constable cadre. Against an approved strength of 60,000 positions, only 30,983 officers were serving by the end of the reviewed year. This indicates 29,017 vacancies, or a 48 percent deficit, which auditors warn is a major barrier to maintaining adequate police presence and public safety.   

According to the Accounting Officer, 400 police constables were recruited in 2024, and steps have been taken to recruit an additional 1,825 officers in January 2025.   

The audit also identified a severe shortage in the senior-level positions of the Sri Lanka Police Supportive Service. Of the approved 104 positions, only 7 were filled during the year, leaving 97 vacancies.