Mahinda Balasuriya, new IGP

Sarath Malalasekera

Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (Administration) Mahinda Balasuriya will assume duties as the 32nd Inspector General of Police today. Speaking to the Daily News yesterday afternoon the new IGP Mahinda Balasuriya said that his theme will be for a “People friendly, professional and prestigious Police Service”.

Senior DIG Mahinda Balasuriya is among the ten Senior DIGs in the Police Department.

Born on June 18, 1953, he is an old boy of Ananda College, Colombo enlisted with the Police Force on March 1, 1978 as a Probationary ASP.

IGP Mahinda Balasuriya, BSc. (Chemistry) and M.Phil is presently studying for a Ph.D. at the University of Peradeniya, Political Science Department, subject - LTTE Terrorism and National Security of Sri Lanka.

As Senior DIG Range III and as Senior DIG Range I IGP Mahinda Balasuriya was in charge of the North and East for over three years.

He also performed duties as Senior DIG of the Special Task Force (STF).

Until yesterday he was holding the posts of Senior DIG Admin, Ops Command, Transport and Communication, Welfare at Police Headquarters.

Several special assignments entrusted to him were completed successfully. Among helping in the liberation of North and East, providing proper leadership to Police and the STF. Considerably assisted in resettlement of IDPs in the Western, Northern and Wanni regions and was the pioneer in introducing the 119 Police Emergency Service in Sri Lanka.

The Police Department has organised a special ceremony on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, to welcome the new IGP at the Police Headquarters, Colombo.

He was the Chairman of the Police Basketball team for the years 2003 and 2004.