The Government of India has officially handed over 134 single cabs to the Sri Lanka Police under the Indo–Sri Lanka Friendship Programme, further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.
The official handover ceremony took place this morning (25) at the Presidential Secretariat, where the fleet of vehicles was formally presented to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the vehicles are expected to be distributed among police stations across Sri Lanka’s Northern Province in order to improve transportation, mobility and operational efficiency within the police service.
The Indian government has reportedly spent approximately Rs. 300 million on the initiative as part of its continued support towards Sri Lanka’s public sector and community development programmes.
Officials stated that the donation is aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities, especially in regional areas where transportation facilities and rapid response operations remain essential for maintaining public security and administrative functions.
Addressing the event, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha emphasized the strong and long-standing relationship between India and Sri Lanka, noting that India would continue to extend assistance and cooperation in the future as well.
He further stated that India remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka in various sectors including infrastructure, public services, security cooperation and economic development.
The ceremony also highlighted the growing partnership between the two countries in strengthening institutional support and regional connectivity.
As a gesture of appreciation for the donation, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya presented a commemorative memento to Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha during the event.
Several senior government representatives and officials were present at the ceremony, including Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala and Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala.
Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, officials attached to the Indian High Commission and senior officers of the Sri Lanka Police also attended the event.
Authorities believe the newly donated vehicles will help improve police accessibility and response times in the Northern Province, especially in rural and remote regions where transportation challenges continue to affect daily policing activities.
The donation also comes at a time when Sri Lanka continues efforts to modernize public institutions and strengthen essential services through international cooperation and assistance programmes.
Over the years, India has provided Sri Lanka with various forms of support including housing projects, railway development, healthcare assistance, emergency aid and infrastructure investments.
The latest vehicle donation is viewed as another step in reinforcing diplomatic ties and practical cooperation between the two nations.
Officials say the distribution process of the vehicles among Northern Province police stations is expected to begin in the coming days.
