Sri Lanka’s Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya stated that the security of all foreigners in the country has been assured and that diplomatic missions have been informed.
He made these comments while addressing a special press conference today (23) at the Polonnaruwa SSP’s Office, regarding the security measures taken following the information received warning of a possible attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area.
“As there was a suspicion that there could also be a threat to Sri Lanka, the intelligence agencies did very good surveillance duties in that regard. We received intelligence regarding that by October 07.”
The Acting IGP said that the possibility of attempts to carry out attacks targeting a specific nationality of tourists was discussed in the Security Council chaired by the President from 3 weeks ago. “We received instructions in that regard.”
Weerasooriya stated that according to those instructions, security was provided to those foreigners, specific places, and places of religious worship under a special security plan jointly by the police, Special Task Force (STF) and intelligence officers.
He stated that a specific security plan was launched since yesterday (22) and that the reason for that was because the information was confirmed.
The Acting IGP stated that the Security Council met this morning too and that the security chiefs and the commanders of the three armed forces discussed the matter there as well. “According to the information received there, the security of the foreigners has been assured. We informed the embassies in this regard.”
He further added that no threats targeting locals have been observed thus far, however, he requested the public to immediately notify the police regarding any terrorist threat, any sudden changes, and any information regarding an attack or an individual. He stated that information can be provided at any moment via the ‘1997’ emergency hotline.
“At present, adequate security has been deployed. Raids and searches are underway, but no suspicious person or property has been found,” the police chief said.
“There is no problem in Sri Lanka regarding national security. There was a certain issue with regard to foreign nationals. It is common in other countries of the world as well. However, we have taken necessary measures to prevent this from happening.”
He added that a special security program is currently in place at the airport and its access roads.
