<P>23, 000-strong police contingent for Popes visitĀ 
[December 26 2014]

<P>A contingent of 23, 000 policemen led by five Deputy Inspector Generals will be deployed as part of the special security program to be launched for the visit of His Eminence Pope Francis, the police said. 

<P>Pope Francis who is scheduled to visit the country on January 13 will be escorted along the Negombo Road to the Archbishops House in Colombo. 

<P>The contingent is comprised of 17 Senior Superintendents, 106 Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents, 1, 563 officers in the Inspectorate and 76 female officers. 

<P>The special security plan will cover Popes mass at the Galle Face Green on January 14 and his visit to Madhu Shrine, Police Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said.