A presentation ceremony of 183 brand new vehicles to all police divisions including those in North and Eastern provinces was held at the Ministry of Defence, Public Security Law and Order this afternoon (July 7). Secretary of Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa handed over the keys of the vehicles to the representatives of each police division that received the vehicles.
The vehicles being distributed include 80 Land Rovers , 43 Hyundai Radio Cars and 60 Suzuki 500cc motor cycles. All police divisions including Special Task Force, Traffic Division, Police Emergency, and other police divisions received new vehicles.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jayantha Wickramarathne and the Director General of the Media Centre for National Security Lakshman Hulugalle and several senior police officials participated for the occasion.
Making the welcoming speech the IGP Mr. Jayantha Wickramarathne stated severe shortage of vehicles was identified before the SAARC summit not only for maintaining the public security but also for the Security of VIPs. Taking this situation into account the Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa advised the IGP to look into the matter and to remove the shortage. The IGP expressed his gratitude towards the Secretary of Defence for the support extended in realizing this achievement. He also expressed his views that the Police would now be able to serve the public with maximum assurance and without difficulty.