Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne issued a gag order over police officers providing information and statements to print, electronic, TV, and web media outlets as well as hosting media briefings in their respective police divisions. The directives were issued to all police stations through a circular last Wednesday (10), following concerns that were raised by Ministry of Defence Secretary (Rtd.) Major General Kamal Gunaratne, who noted that by sharing information and hosting media briefings, various police officers have caused a serious breach within the Police Department. “From here onwards, only the Director of the Police Media Division and a few authorised police personnel will be permitted to give statements to the media. Necessary action will be taken against any officer who breaches this regulation. Any sort of communication will be released through the Police Media Division to the respective media outlets as required,” Police Media Spokesperson SP Jaliya Senaratne noted. The letter issued by the Acting IGP stated that it has been observed that officials of various levels are providing information to the print and electronic media, contrary to the provisions of the Establishments Code. – Sarah Hannan