Sri Lanka resumes SWAT training for Maldivian police officers after 13-year gap

Sri Lanka has resumed Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) training for officers of the Maldives Police Service after a 13-year hiatus, with 36 officers taking part in an intensive eight-week programme aimed at strengthening operational readiness and specialised policing skills.

According to the Sri Lankan High Commission in the Maldives, the training programme began on November 2 and will run until December 31 in Sri Lanka. The training is being conducted by the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force (STF), one of the country's elite law enforcement units.

In a statement, the High Commission said the programme is designed to enhance officers’ tactical competencies, operational capabilities and law enforcement knowledge. Drawing on the experience and expertise of the STF, participating officers will receive practical and specialised training intended to further strengthen their operational preparedness.

The High Commission said the resumption of the programme reflects the longstanding friendship and close cooperation between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, particularly in the area of security sector capacity building. It added that Sri Lanka remains committed to supporting the professional development of the Maldives Police Service through specialised training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

A ceremony was held in Malé on October 29 ahead of the officers’ departure to Sri Lanka. The event was attended by Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the Maldives, Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed, Deputy Commissioner of Police Farhad Fikry and other senior officers of the Maldives Police Service.

Addressing the gathering, Rizvi Hassen highlighted the expertise of the STF in SWAT operations and expressed appreciation to Sri Lankan authorities for facilitating the resumption of the programme after more than a decade. He also wished the participating officers success in the training programme.