Sri Lanka Police, together with the Ministry of Defence, have rolled out an enhanced security plan covering major cities, places of worship, hotels and tourist areas to ensure public safety during the Christmas and New Year season.
Under the initiative, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has instructed all police stations to step up security in locations expected to attract large crowds, such as shopping malls, commercial districts and popular public spaces linked to year-end celebrations.
To strengthen law enforcement capacity, an additional 2,500 police officers have been deployed across the Western Province to assist with crowd control and the maintenance of public order.
The security effort is being reinforced by the Special Task Force (STF) and the tri-forces, with intelligence officers and plainclothes personnel stationed in high-traffic commercial areas to monitor and prevent criminal activity.
Police Media Spokesman ASP F. U. Wootler said the IGP has directed all Senior Deputy Inspector Generals, Deputy Inspector Generals and Officers-in-Charge to implement coordinated security and traffic management plans nationwide to ensure a calm and orderly festive period, including the transition into the 2026 New Year.
Particular focus has been placed on Catholic churches islandwide, where Christmas religious services and related events are scheduled. Police are working closely with clergy and event organizers to ensure the safety of worshippers. Heightened security has also been extended to banks, retail outlets, leading hotels, shopping centres and tourist attractions frequented by both locals and foreign visitors.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious individuals, vehicles or activities to the nearest police station, stressing that public cooperation plays a key role in maintaining security during the festive season.
At the same time, several major hotels have strengthened their internal safety arrangements by tightening access controls and guest screening procedures, while being advised to strictly enforce entry protocols.
Police have also launched special traffic operations aimed at curbing reckless driving and other traffic-related offences, which typically rise during holiday periods.
Army Spokesperson Brigadier Waruna Gamage told the Daily Mirror that the military is on standby to provide assistance to the police when required. He added that a dedicated Operations Room has been established at Army Headquarters to monitor and support public safety efforts throughout the festive season.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Operations Room will remain operational until the end of the holiday period, serving as a central coordination centre to enhance cooperation between the tri-forces and Sri Lanka Police, improve real-time information sharing and strengthen overall operational preparedness.
Leave your comments
Login to post a comment
Post comment as a guest