Stringent security during New Year

by Jayampathy Jayasinghe

Security arrangements in Colombo and in the provincial capitals will be tightened in view of the forthcoming Sinhala and Tamil New year, where large crowds are expected at places of worship, bus stands, railway stations and shops.

Senior DIG, Jayantha Wickramaratne said instructions regarding security arrangements have been sent to DIGs, SSPs and OICs of police stations in the country.

The security operation will come into effect on April 1. SSPs of divisions will provide special motor patrols in the city centers.

Police have been asked to search baggage of passengers at bus stands and at railway stations to prevent any acts of terrorism.

Plainclothes policemen attached to provincial Intelligence branches such as the Special Branch will mingle with the public at railway stations, main bus stands, shopping arcades.

They will be assisted by members of the armed forces. Strangers checking into hotels and guesthouses in provincial towns and cities will also be checked to ensure security.

The public too is expected to co-operate with the police by providing information regarding suspicious persons by contacting them on the hot line 119, or 118.

If mysterious flying objects are spotted in the sky, one could contact Air force, on the hot line 116.