Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya has raised concern over the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Sri Lanka’s police officers, revealing that nearly 40% are affected by such conditions.
Speaking at a welfare programme held to distribute school supplies to the children of police officers in the Ratnapura district, Weerasuriya cited troubling health statistics within the police force.
“If you take the police officers, 20% to 40% are suffering from non-communicable diseases. Another 30% have not yet undergone medical testing. Only about 30% of officers can be considered in good physical health,” he said.
The Acting IGP attributed the rise in NCDs to a combination of professional and personal stress, long working hours, and poor access to regular medical care.
“Domestic issues, work pressure, and lack of time for health check-ups have led to this situation. We must now urgently address it,” he added.
The Acting IGP outlined plans to improve the working conditions and well-being of police personnel. He said the department is taking steps to enhance officer performance and provide additional welfare benefits.
“Police officers receive very low salaries compared to the services they render. Even the President has been notified of this matter,” he said, adding that work is underway to introduce a revised salary structure for police officers next year.
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