The Sri Lanka Police marked its 160th anniversary on Thursday with a ceremony held at the Police Grounds in Thimbirigasyaya, Colombo. The event, however, took an unusual turn as members of the media were excluded from attending or reporting on the celebrations.

Officials cited that the President’s media team, along with the Police Media Division, would be managing all coverage related to the anniversary. Despite this explanation, no clear justification was provided for the decision to bar independent journalists from participating in or documenting the event.

The exclusion of the media from such a significant milestone within the police force drew criticism from observers who emphasized the importance of transparency and public access. They argued that the Sri Lanka Police, as a longstanding national institution, transcends current officeholders and should maintain openness to ensure accountability and public engagement.

The decision to limit media presence on an occasion commemorating the police force’s extensive history and service raised questions about the balance between institutional control over information and the public’s right to independent reporting on government events.