Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, the reply is as follows:

¶ 02 (a) (i) Vacancies (selected cadres): - Police Constable – General: 17,966 - Police Constable – STF: 2,588 - Woman Police Constable – General: 4,043 - Woman Police Constable – STF: 86 - Police Constable/Driver – General: 734 - Police Constable/Driver – STF: 176 - Sub Inspector – General: 357 - Sub Inspector – STF: 25 - Woman Sub Inspector – General: 63 - Woman Sub Inspector – STF: Nil - Assistant Superintendent of Police – General: 7 - Assistant Superintendent of Police – STF: 2

¶ 03 Total vacancies: General 23,170; STF 2,877; overall Police Service 26,047. In addition, supporting services have 1,821 vacancies.

¶ 04 (ii) There is some delay due to over 100 Supreme Court cases related to promotions and recruitments.

¶ 05 (iii) The open competitive exam for ASP recruitment is at its final stage. Accordingly, 46 ASPs (male), 3 ASPs (female) and 2 ASPs for STF will be recruited next month. Promotions in the Executive Service grades are granted per approved schemes when vacancies arise and qualifications are met. Currently 5,612 officers in General Service, 111 in STF and 217 in support services (total 5,940) are awaiting promotion; steps are being taken to grant them. Those lacking prerequisites at the time of consideration may appeal after fulfilling them; qualifications will be verified and appointments made.

¶ 06 For the Ministerial Service grades, the recruitment and promotion schemes approved on 23.10.2020 by the National Police Commission are being revised to address identified gaps; after approval and publication, promotions will be expedited.

¶ 07 (iv) Budget 2025 and the Police Welfare Fund provide: - Rs. 5,500 million for food and uniform provisions. - Rs. 285 million for rest rooms and barracks; Rs. 30 million for official quarters; and Rs. 1,300 million for completing police station and other building needs. - Rs. 1,500 million to improve existing buildings; Rs. 500 million for building maintenance. - Under the Reward Fund 2025: Rs. 1,000 million for married quarters, barracks and dining facilities for IP and below; Rs. 600 million for other welfare facilities.

¶ 08 From 2025, under Vote 1204 of the Police Hospital, provision is made to procure prosthetic arms and legs for officers disabled in duty. Laboratory and medical tests not available at the Police Hospital can be obtained from external hospitals.

¶ 09 Work is underway to design a Police-specific pay structure aligned to current economic conditions. A committee chaired by the Director Welfare is revising allowances under IGP Circular 2416/2013 and Establishments Circular 01/2013 to increase benefits across 21 classified categories.

¶ 10 A separate Police salary structure draft has been prepared by the Acting IGP; it is under study and will be discussed with the Ministry of Finance, with a view to possible inclusion in the 2026 Budget.

¶ 11 (b) Does not arise.