At present, the highest rank they could attain is superintendent of police.

Secretary of the commission Ariyadasa Cooray says giving women officers ranks of up to deputy inspector general is under consideration.

The last time a female officer held the SSP rank was by Pramila Diwakara more than 20 years ago.

Of the 85,000 strong police force, there are vacancies for 13,000 women, but it presently has only 10,000.