A new training programme aimed at educating police officers on LGBTQ+ rights has been launched at the Katana National Police Training Institute with the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands. The initiative seeks to enhance awareness among law enforcement officers regarding the rights and protections afforded to LGBTQ+ individuals under Sri Lankan law.

The inaugural session took place on 10 March under the patronage of the Netherlands Ambassador, Bonnie Horbach, and in the presence of Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya. The programme aims to equip officers with the necessary knowledge to intervene appropriately in challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, whether at police stations or within society.

A total of 24 advisory officers have been selected as the first batch of trainees under this initiative, which will run for five days. The training sessions are being conducted by advisors from Equite, an organisation actively involved in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity.

Among the attendees at the event were Equite Chairman Tushara Manoj, Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Police in charge of Training and Advanced Training Sajiva Medawatta, Executive Director of the Katana National Police Training Institute DIG Jaliya Senarathna, and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Women and Children’s Bureau, Renuka Jayasundara.