India gifts 134 police cabs to Sri Lanka to boost policing and road safety

India handed over 134 police cabs to Sri Lanka under a grant of SLR 300 million to strengthen policing, road safety, and emergency response. The initiative reinforces ongoing bilateral cooperation and development partnership between the two countries

Colombo: India on Monday handed over 134 police cabs to Sri Lanka in a ceremony held at the Presidential Estate, marking another significant chapter in the “multifaceted development partnership” between the two countries. A Memorandum of Understanding for the deal was signed in December 2024 during Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s state visit to New Delhi.

“Handed over a fleet of 134 single cabs, funded through a grant of SLR 300 million, to @SL_PoliceMedia in the gracious presence of President @anuradisanayake,” Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha said in a social media post.

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The initiative, undertaken at the request of the Sri Lanka Police, will contribute towards attaining objectives related to road safety, timely help to citizens in distress and maintenance of law and order, he added.

The fleet handover marks yet another significant chapter in the multifaceted development partnership between India and Sri Lanka across all major sectors, the Indian mission said in a statement. Along with President Dissanayake, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala and Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya also attended the handover ceremony.
The vehicles are scheduled to be distributed among police stations in the Northern Province, reported newsfirst.lk media portal.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka, noting that similar forms of assistance would continue in the future as part of ongoing bilateral cooperation. In recognition of the contribution, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya presented a commemorative memento to the Indian High Commissioner, the report said.