Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police and Commandant of the Special Task Force, M.R Latiff was feted with the honorary title of Pride of Asia at the recently concluded Dr. Abdul Kalam Memorial Excellence Award Ceremony which was held at the Lanka Achievers Foundation.
The event which was held under the patronage of Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya recognizes the social development work and humanitarian services rendered for the betterment of the society.
Senior DIG Latiff, assumed duties as the STF Commandant on August 19, 2016, and was the 11th Commandant of the STF. He joined the Sri Lanka Police as a Sub Inspector on January 15, 1979 and joined the STF on February 7, 1984 as one of the first members of the STF, which was established on March 1, 1983.
During the 40-year-long service, he has held the post of Commanding Officer, Director of Terrorism Investigation Division and Director of VIP Protection prior to being appointed as the STF Commandant in 2016.
In addition to the duties as the STF Commandant, SDIG Latiff was also appointed as the Crimes, Organized Crimes and Narcotic Prevention Division in-charge and contributed towards eradicating the drug menace from the country.
Due to his invaluable contribution, he was awarded the Janadhipathi Police Weeratha Padakkama, Police Weeratha Padakkama, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, Vishishta Seva Padakkama, President’s Inauguration Medal, 125th Anniversary Medal, 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal, East Humanitarian Operation Medal, First Aid Medal and 150th Anniversary Medal.