COLOMBO – The Government of Australia extending its support to Sri Lanka to face global threats of terrorism, organized crime and narcotics trafficking, presented several hand-held chemical detection devices to the Acting Inspector General of Police, C. D. Wickramaratne yesterday (27). The presentation was made by Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, David Holly, and Australian Federal Police Detective Superintendent, Rob Wilson.
A statement issued by the Australian High Commission in Colombo, said the Australian Federal Police is also offering training in post-blast crime scene and narcotic examination to ensure efficient and effective use of the chemical detection devices.
The key functionalities of the detection devices include portability, waterproof and built for in-field use; ability to detect solids and liquids, including through containers; wide range of operating temperatures and environments; and detection of explosives, toxic industrial chemicals, chemical warfare agents, narcotics, precursors, and white powders.
At the presentation ceremony yesterday, High Commissioner Holly expressed Australia’s solidarity with Sri Lanka in facing the impact of the global threats of terrorism, organized crime and narcotics trafficking, and said the Chemical Detection Devices will assist frontline police officers in Sri Lanka to respond to the crimes. It continues the long standing friendship between the Sri Lanka Police and the Australian Federal Police, he added.
Acting IGP, C. D. Wickramaratne said the governments of Australian and Sri Lanka have enjoyed a long and endearing relationship of cooperation and friendships from the very inception. “The Sri Lanka Police, and the Australian Federal Police have further enhanced this relationship along with inter police cooperation, operational partnership, and enhancement of professional standards,” he said, adding that the Sri Lanka Police was profoundly grateful to the Australian government as well as the AFP for the valuable and magnanimous donation, which will ensure a stronger sense of bond and partnership in the future.
-ENCL