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| Sunday, 9 November 2003 |
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Security |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Armed Forces on the alert by ANTON NONIS The Armed Forces will maintain a strict posture to ensure security islandwide, including the North-East, service commanders told the `Sunday Observer'. This follows instructions by President Chandrika Kumaratunga to the three services and the police. The police is on high alert to ensure law and order. The service chiefs said that the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and the police had specifically instructed them to ensure that security will be maintained at all times to deal with any contingencies that may follow last week's political developments. The three commanders and the Inspector General of Police emphasised that they would stick to president's orders to the very letter. Acting Inspector General of Police, Indra de Silva told the `Sunday Observer' that he had instructed his men to take into custody any persons irrespective of the rank or political affiliations, who try to create trouble. De Silva said that in addition to the normal duties of the police, the present situation necessitated special security measures to be in place. Riot police teams, patrol cars, water cannons and other paraphernalia needed for quelling disturbances are kept in readiness to meet any contingencies, he said. The assistance of the Army, Navy and the Air Force would be sought whenever it becomes necessary in order to discharge duties more effectively. However, the police chief said that no disturbances had been reported, so far. Asked for how long the stepped up security arrangements would be in force, the IGP said, "until the situation warrants". Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Lionel Balagalle said that already several army personnel have been deployed to work side-by-side with the police. Air Vice Marshall, Donald Perera said that the Air Force is well prepared and would come to the assistance of the police if the occasion warrants. "Let it be in any part of the country, we will send our men to the place where they are required," Perera said. Protection is being provided to a number of key installations in the city including the Kelanitissa Power-Station, Rupavahini Corporation and the Government Printing Department. |
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