Sri Lanka hosts International Police Association World Congress for first time in Asia

Daily Mirror and Newswire report that Sri Lanka is staging the International Police Association’s 69th World Congress, the event’s first edition in Asia. Daily Mirror says proceedings opened at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo on October 21; Newswire reports that the congress formally began in Colombo that day and is set to run from October 20 to 25. A separate Daily Mirror report gives the event dates as October 20–31, 2026, at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel.

Newswire reports that over 400 delegates from 69 countries are attending. It says Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath was the chief guest, and Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, who also heads the IPA’s Sri Lanka section, attended.

Newswire says Herath addressed cooperation between countries on cross-border crime, organised criminal networks and developing law-enforcement challenges. It reports that he welcomed overseas delegates and invited them to experience Sri Lanka’s landscapes, cultural heritage and hospitality.

Newswire describes the IPA as a non-governmental body whose membership exceeds 600,000 worldwide. It says the association encourages professional, social and cultural connections among active and retired police officers, is led by World President Martin Hoffmann, and follows the motto “Servo per Amikeco,” translated as “Service Through Friendship.”

Newswire reports that IPA Friendship Week is scheduled for October 25–31, with excursions intended to introduce delegates to Sri Lankan historical locations, cultural attractions, natural scenery, food and customs.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.