A request not to telecast search operations at houses and public places through media has been made to President Maithripala Sirisena by several persons.

Clear instructions have been given to the security forces to not allow the participation of civilians when conducting search operations and that they have to be conducted exclusively by the members of the security forces.

At the present, a special security program has been implemented across the country, as per instructed by the President and under the guidance and supervision of the Ministry of Defence, following the unexpected and regrettable incidents of violence on the Easter Sunday.

Under this process, investigations are carried out continuously and houses, public places, and vehicles are inspected.

As a result of unwarranted media publicity for these investigations, various communities in the society are facing difficulties and persons who are not involved in terrorist activities in any way face great inconveniences as the society has deemed them as terrorists.

Various sections of the society, including religious leaders, have made requests to the President with this regard at several times. Considering those requests, in order to prevent any further inconveniences to any community in the society, the Government has requested all the media institutions not to conduct media coverage on these search operations.