Security plan to thwart terrorist attacks

Civil Committees to keep vigil

by Jayampathy Jayasinghe

[email protected]

Several Civil Committees have been set up in bus stands, railway stations and housing complexes to protect people and property in Colombo.

The committees have been set up with the help of the Community Police Unit. Over 25,000 persons have been enlisted to keep an eye on terrorist activities, DIG Colombo Range, Nimal Mediweka told a media briefing in Colombo on Friday.

The committees which will be on 24-hour duty have been briefed by us on how to act when they come across a suspicious looking parcel or person. He said bus stands and railway stations have become vulnerable spots for terrorist attacks owing to the large number of people congregating in such places. It was the duty of all citizens to assist the police and other civil society members to thwart terrorist activities in Colombo.

"We have installed a special hotline - 5717171 at the Police Emergency, Colombo which is connected to police radio cars prowling the Colombo city. People can now pass information on anything suspicious or person to the police via the phone."

He said IGP Victor Perera has initiated a project to reward persons who tip off the police regarding terrorist activity in the country.

One million rupees have been set aside for the purpose. Around two or three persons have given valuable information to the police, he said.

The Chairman of the Western Province Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authority, J. M. Somasiri said that they have devised a special security plan to prevent terrorist attacks being launched in buses. In future all buses leaving the Pettah Bus stand will be searched thoroughly. Even passengers boarding buses with parcels will be subject to these checks. The tasks will be carried out by Civil Committee members along with the police and the Army to thwart terrorists attacks.

The following guidelines have been issued to the Civil Committee members.

* The bus conductor should search the bus before passengers board it.

* The bus conductor should inquire from passengers about their destination while issuing tickets and keep an eye on those who get off the bus.

* The bus conductor should keep an eye on parcels and luggage on the racks and notice the behaviour of passengers.

* Bus drivers should take steps to prevent passengers boarding buses from the front.

* Passengers should board buses only at bus halts.

* Bus conductors should advise passengers to keep their bag and baggage with them.

* Avoid overloading buses with too many passengers whom they cannot check.

* Exercise vigil on passengers who board buses with bag and baggage.

* Provide security to buses till the commencement of the journey. The driver and the conductor to remain inside the bus at all times.

* Inform the police and the Armed Forces regarding any suspicious person.

* The following telephone numbers could be contacted for any emergency.

Police Emergency- 118, 119, 2433333, 5717171.Bomb Disposal Unit 2434251, Passenger Transport Authority 5559595, 871352, Bastian Bus stand 5352746, Goonasinghapura bus stand, 5352748, Fire Brigade 110, 2422222, 2422223, Accident Ward 2696911.

Director of the Police Community Unit, SSP T. Karunaratna said one-third of Sri Lanka's population were always on the move. Some persons were not even conscious while walking on the road and it was important therefore to treat them with respect and civility while they were searched.

He said the Colombo city has become a vulnerable place due to people coming into the city from all parts of the country. People have to keep an eye on suspicious characters at all times.