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 so far that a large number of tourists are scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in the upcoming tourist season.

This opens up a great opportunity for Sri Lanka to boost its economy while earning the trust and respect of foreign nationals towards Sri Lanka, the statement said.

“As a state that is renowned for its popularity as a famous tourist destination, we shall be held responsible for creating a hospitable environment for tourists to derive pleasure, entertainment, and knowledge with a great sense of security,” it said.

The police media division announced that accordingly, taking the war situation in the Middle East and Eastern Europe into account, a special program for ensuring the safety of tourists is scheduled to be prepared and implemented by Sri Lanka Police and the Intelligence Units under the guidance and coordination of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Public Security.

“The Tourist Police Division will be further strengthened, and the Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya, will give special instructions to all police stations in this regard.” 

“As an initial step, the emergency telephone line 1997 has been made available for tourists from today onwards to inform any security-related matters to Sri Lanka Police,” it added.

Additionally, the police expressed appreciation for the role played by the owners of tourist hotels, their staff, and all persons who are engaged in the field of tourism. The police expect that they will take the best possible measures within their scope to protect the lives and property of tourists in the future, the release added.

In any situation, they may coordinate with the police stations in the area, and necessary instructions will be given to the police stations in the future, the police media division said. 

“All parties should pay attention to the threats that may be caused by thieves and harassment by certain employees. Further, the Sri Lanka Police will act in this regard with a new program in the future,” it said in conclusion.