The Higher Diploma and Diploma Award Ceremony of the 01^st Batch and the Inauguration of the 02^nd Batch of Higher Diploma in Crime Investigation (HDCI) offered by the University of Kelaniya and National Police Academy was held on the 01^st of December 2021 at the Main Auditoriums of Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya.

HDCI offered by the University of Kelaniya and the National Police Academy is coordinated by the Department of Forensic Medicine. HDCI will be producing practical police officers with sound knowledge, skills, and attitudes in conducting quality crime investigation to provide a quality service to the community to create an environment to live with confidence where justice will prevail while living without fear of crime and violence.

The event was attended by Cadre Chair & Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Cadre Chair and Senior Prof. Janaki Hewavisenthi, Dean- Faculty of Medicine, Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar- University of Kelaniya, Retired Major General Jagath Alwis, Secretary- Ministry of Public Security, Mr. Chandana Wickramaratne, Inspector General of Police, Retired Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Chandra Fernando, Chairman- National Police Commission, Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) Mr. Ajith Rohana, Executive Director- National Police Academy (NPA), Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mr. Sajeewa Medawatte, Principle Administrative Officer- NPA, Senior Superintend of Police (SSP) Mr. Manjula Mahagirilla and the eminent internal and external professors and lecturers of the course programme.

Out of 46 students who passed out today 02 received Higher diploma with merit while 39 received Higher Diploma while 05 received Diploma in Crime Investigation. 60 new students who enrolled as the 02^nd batch of students had the inauguration ceremony simultaneously.  Considering the pandemic situation in the country strict health guidelines were implemented where the students were placed in two venues while the event was live broadcasted through the Internet for the family members of the awardees and new students.

The proceeding started with the procession and welcome address was done by Cadre Chair and Senior Prof. Janaki Hewavisenthi, Dean- Faculty of Medicine. Cadre Chair and Prof. Anurudhdhi Edirisinghe, Course Coordinator of the study programme stated that HDCI is a full-time course spanning for two years delivered at the SLQF level 04. The programme consists of 18 course units in subjects related to Law in Crime Investigation, Crime Scene Management, Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science, Cybercrime Investigation, Community Policing, Investigation of Child Abuse and Gender-Based Violence, Criminology, Crime Profiling, Criminal Intelligence and Surveillance, Disaster Management etc. The course was commenced under the MoU with the University of Kelaniya and National Police Academy and first batch teaching commenced in 2017 August and completed in 2019 July. The course was conducted mainly at faculty premises and practical component at teaching police stations, Government Analyst’s Department and Colombo-North Teaching Hospital.

Cadre Chair & Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya addressing the gathering highlighted the need to create opportunity for carrier development of all sectors in the society while state universities play a pivotal role. University of Kelaniya has plans to develop the Higher Diploma in Crime Investigation study programme to a degree course for the professional development of the police officers. The Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security addressing the officers stated that this is a significant step in producing professional police officers to Sri Lanka. Retired IGP Mr. Chandra Fernando, Chairman- National Police Commission delivered the inspirational speech while the thank you speech was delivered by DIG Sajeewa Madawatta.