Security measures to safeguard tourists and citizens from potential threats - Sri Lanka Police

The police and intelligence divisions, under the direction of the Ministry of Public Security, are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of tourists and citizens against any potential threats, Sri Lanka Police said. 

Issuing a special statement, the police department urged the public and tourists to report any emergencies or relevant information by contacting the emergency hotline ‘1997’.

The Police Media Division stated that it has been observed from the information received thus far that a large number of foreign tourists are expected to visit Sri Lanka in the upcoming tourist season. 

This presents a significant opportunity to strengthen the economy of Sri Lanka and enhance the trust and respect that foreign nationals have in the country, the statement said.

“As a nation that attracts foreign tourists, it is our collective responsibility to create an environment that ensures their safety, meets their expectations for happiness, and provides them with the freedom to acquire knowledge,” it said.

The police media division announced that accordingly, considering the conflict situations in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, the Sri Lanka Police, along with intelligence divisions, will develop and execute a specialized security program for the safety of foreign tourists. This initiative will be guided by the advice and coordination of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Public Security.

“The Sri Lanka Tourist Police will be further strengthened, and the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Priyantha Weerasooriya, will issue special instructions regarding this to all police stations. As a preliminary measure, tourists will have the opportunity to report any security-related issues by contacting the Sri Lanka Police via the hotline number ‘1997’, effective immediately,” it added.

Additionally, the police expressed appreciation for the roles of hotel owners and their staff, indicating their commitment to taking effective measures to safeguard the lives and property of tourists in the future.

The police media division stated that coordination with local police stations is encouraged in any situation. They emphasized that necessary instructions would be issued to these stations in the future. 

“All parties are urged to stay vigilant against potential threats from external parties and any form of harassment from certain employees, with the Sri Lanka Police planning to address these concerns through a new program,” it stated.

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