Acting IGP bans gifting of hampers for senior police officers

Wednesday, 1 January 2025 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya has issued a circular prohibiting the tradition of presenting hampers to senior officers of the Sri Lanka Police during special occasions such as the New Year and the Sinhala and Hindu New Year.

The circular, addressed to senior officers above the rank of Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and Civil Administration Officers, highlighted that some senior officers have developed a habit of accepting such gifts. The Acting IGP made it clear that no officer should present hampers to the IGP or any other senior officer and that such practices must cease immediately.

In place of physical gifts or in-person meetings, the Acting IGP has instead encouraged officers to extend their wishes through phone calls or WhatsApp messages, noting that personal visits are unnecessary for such occasions.

These instructions extend to civilian staff officers attached to the Sri Lanka Police, emphasising a unified approach to eliminating the practice. Senior police officers have also been tasked with ensuring that these directives are communicated to all relevant officers under their supervision.

The Acting IGP has warned that any officer found violating these instructions will face disciplinary action, and supervisory officers will be held accountable for enforcing compliance.