A delegation of 20 high-ranking Sri Lankan police officials, holding the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and above, concluded a five-day study tour in India on July 11, 2025. The visit, which took place from July 7 to July 11, was organized as part of a program run by the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and was fully funded by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The program focused on National and Internal Security Education. The study tour was led by Dr. Jasbirkaur Thadhani, Dean Academics, RRU, and Mr. Ravish Shah, Director, International Cooperation and Relations Branch, RRU, under the able guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice-Chancellor, RRU. The RRU expressed its commitment to fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the field of security and defense.

During their visit, the Sri Lankan officials toured several key Indian security organizations, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the National Security Guard (NSG), and i4C. These tours provided valuable insights into the operational methodologies and tools employed by these agencies in addressing various security challenges.

A significant highlight of the visit was a discussion with the head of the Sri Lankan police, who holds the third-highest rank in Sri Lanka, where the CBI explained its investigative processes, methodologies, and tools. This exchange facilitated the sharing of best practices and fostered mutual understanding between the two countries' law enforcement agencies.

The program underscores the commitment of both India and Sri Lanka to strengthen cooperation in the field of security and enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in the region. A significant aspect of the visit involved discussions on cross-border crime, particularly the issue of criminals fleeing between Sri Lanka and India. Both sides acknowledged the challenges posed by transnational crime and explored collaborative strategies to address the issue. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in law enforcement, intelligence sharing, and legal frameworks to combat criminal activities effectively. A key outcome of the visit was an agreement between the CBI and the Sri Lankan police to formalize the sharing of information on cross-border criminals. Both agencies recognized the importance of this data sharing for effective investigations and agreed to establish a more structured process to enhance cooperation in combating cross-border crime. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of joint investigations in the near future. The CBI also presented its organizational structure and explained its distinct role compared to other police agencies in India.

Officials from the CBI provided detailed briefings on the agency's functionality, investigative processes, and the relevant laws and provisions in India. The discussions also included an exchange of information on the legal and investigative practices of both India and Sri Lanka, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of law enforcement. This visit underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen their collaboration in addressing national and internal security challenges. The Sri Lankan officials engaged in discussions with their Indian counterparts, particularly at the CBI, where they raised questions and sought insights into effective investigation methodologies. This exchange of knowledge is expected to strengthen cooperation and understanding between the law enforcement agencies of both countries.

In a related development, Rashtriya Raksha University and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have announced a collaboration aimed at enhancing their capabilities in addressing contemporary security challenges. The partnership will involve training CBI officials in areas such as online fraud and crime, IT sector challenges, forensic investigations, and law. Additionally, the two institutions will engage in knowledge and talent exchange programs. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both institutions to staying at the forefront of security and law enforcement.

During their visit to the NDRF, the Sri Lankan police officials discussed India's disaster preparedness and response strategies. The officials expressed their appreciation for the NDRF's effectiveness in handling disaster situations. A key outcome of the visit was the Sri Lankan officials' request for training from the NDRF to enhance their capacity in disaster management. The NDRF has agreed to provide this training, demonstrating India's commitment to regional cooperation and support in the field of disaster response. This collaboration will contribute to strengthening the disaster preparedness and response capabilities of both nations.

A significant highlight of the visit of the officials was the interaction with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center (i4C), where the Sri Lankan officials gained valuable insights into its operations. The i4C is a key initiative of Shri Amit Shah, Hon'ble Home Minister of India.

The program aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the two nations in the field of security and law enforcement. The Sri Lankan officials expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn from India's best practices and expertise in various aspects of national security. A highlight of the visit was a briefing at the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (i4C) in Delhi, Bharat. Here, the Sri Lankan officials gained valuable insights into i4C's operational model, which involves the collaborative efforts of banking, telecommunication, and police officers working together to combat and prevent cybercrimes, including bank fraud. The i4C operates 24/7 to respond to cybercrime incidents. i4C officials provided comprehensive briefings on cybercrime data management, relevant IT acts, and strategies for international collaboration to combat cyber fraud. This aspect of the program was particularly relevant given the increasing cybercrime rates in Sri Lanka.

The RRU facilitated the entire program, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between the Sri Lankan police and their Indian counterparts. The visit is expected to enhance the capabilities of the Sri Lankan police in addressing national and internal security challenges, particularly in the realm of cybercrime and allied issues.

The Sri Lankan officials visited the NSG office and engaged in discussions with NSG officials and commandos. These interactions focused on the challenges faced by the NSG, their training methods, and their approaches to tackling on-the-ground problems. The exchange of knowledge and experiences is expected to enhance cooperation and understanding between the security forces of both nations.

The program initiated by RRU aimed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices in the field of security, contributing to the strengthening of relations between India and Sri Lanka. The RRU's focus on upskilling and investment teach enabled methods in police investigations underscores its commitment to modernizing and enhancing the capabilities of security personnel.

(Release ID: 2144265)