Law enforcement in Sri Lanka

Law enforcement in Sri Lanka falls under the jurisdiction of the Sri Lanka Police, the national law enforcement agency, along with local community police and Grama Niladhari.

Limited law enforcement authority is also given to other departments of the government for specific reasons.

The Department of Coast Guard exercises law enforcement powers in the territorial waters of Sri Lanka.

Since ancient times, judicial and law enforcement duties were carried out in local kingdoms in the Sri Lanka by officials appointed to administrate provinces or districts.

Modern policing was introduced to the island by the British in 1797 with the appointment of a Fiscal for the town of Colombo.