Acting IGP C.D Wickramaratne has ordered the disbandment of any private media units being maintained by either Policemen or Police stations. Sending out a directive the Acting IGP said it has come to his notice that some Police officers are maintaining private media units and are releasing media statements through them in violation of the Establishments Code.
He also noted that it has been observed that the same private media units have been releasing statements regarding the Police’s efforts to combat Covid 19, patients and other information without the knowledge of the Police Media Division.
In his directive the Acting IGP said the release of statements and information by these officer’s without a proper understanding has led to a confusion within the Police force and the public. The Acting IGP has stressed therefore information from the Police should only be released by the Police Media Division and authorized officers and that others should refrain from providing information to the media through private media units.
The Acting IGP through his directive has ordered the disbandment of any private media units being maintained by Police officers and stressed that severe disciplinary action will be taken against any officer violating the order irrespective of this rank.
It is well known that at least one senior Police officer in the Western province has continued to maintain a personal media unit and invitations to events attended by him are sent to media personnel through the person handling the media unit.
