Acting IGP cracks whip against hampers from junior cops to senior cops

• Senior officers instructed not to accept such hampers

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

A circular has been issued by Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya to all senior police officers regarding the tradition of presenting hampers to senior officers of the Sri Lanka Police as part of celebrations on special occasions like New Year’s Eve and Sinhala and Hindu New Year.

The circular reveals that some police officers have offered hampers to senior officers on such occasions, a practice that some senior officers have also accepted.

However, the Acting IGP has instructed all senior police officers above the rank of Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and Civil Administration officers that no official should offer hampers to the IGP or any other senior officers, nor should senior officials accept them.
In cases where an officer seeks blessings or appreciation from the IGP or other senior officers, the Acting IGP emphasises that there is no need for in-person meetings.
Such gestures of goodwill can be conveyed through phone calls or WhatsApp messages.
The Acting IGP clarified that these instructions also apply to civil staff officers attached to the Sri Lanka Police.
Furthermore, the Acting IGP has directed senior police officers to inform all relevant bureaucrats under their supervision about these instructions.
He has also ordered that necessary actions be taken against any officer who violates the directives, with supervisory officers held accountable for ensuring compliance.