Special security across the country during festive season

By Norman Palihawadane

The Police Headquarters said on Friday that a special security programme has been implemented throughout the country for the safety of the people during the festive season and to arrest the criminals.Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that this special security programme has been implemented to protect the people from various criminals and robbers, vehicle thieves, and pickpockets.

He said that in addition to uniformed police officers, plainclothes police officers and intelligence officers have been deployed in areas where people gather and in shopping areas.The Police Spokesman said the Police has taken steps to provide special security to churches holding mass on Christmas day. Accordingly, the IGP has instructed all OIC to meet relevant parish priests and make necessary arrangements.

SSP Thalduwa said a special programme is also being prepared to identify unknown persons entering the churches. The Police will set up teams of church members to identify suspicious individuals attempting to enter Churches during the day. The Police will also call in additional personnel for duty at main churches across the country.

SSP Thalduwa said that the special attention of the police has also been focused on preventing the circulation of fake notes and preventing them from falling into the hands of the public.

He said that during the festive period, officers from outside areas have been called into the Western Province and a special security programme has been implemented to conduct checks on people and vehicles at impromptu roadblocks.