Manampitiya – Nimal Jayaratne–
Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya emphasized that adequate security has been established for those visiting Sri Lanka and the embassies of the respective countries have been informed about this.
In a special statement to the media, the Acting Inspector General of Police stated that there is no problem with national security and that security measures have been taken in such a way that there is no problem for anyone even if the problem is targeting a particular foreign nation.
He further said
“With the beginning of the war situation in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, by October 2024, terrorist activities spread to various parties around the world. Because there was a suspicion that there would be a threat to Sri Lanka and the intelligence agencies worked very well in that regard, we received intelligence information about it by October 7.”
“Three weeks ago, we had a long discussion under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Security Council that some foreigners were ready to attack. We received instructions in that regard.”
“According to the instructions, the security of those foreigners, the security of places where they stay as well as their shrining places also were provided under a special security plan by the police stations as well as the special task forces. We deployed intelligence officers to those locations and engaged other intelligence-gathering methods.
We also knew about this relationship with the release of an American security advisory. The intelligence agencies had informed us and accordingly, we launched a special security program yesterday (22). The reason for that is that the information was specifically received. Based on that specific information, the Security Council convened online on Tuesday night and went through the procedure yesterday.
“The Security Council also met this morning and discussed this. The President’s Secretary, the Defense Secretary, the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security, the security chiefs, the intelligence chiefs, and the commanders of the three armed forces also discussed there. According to the information received there, they are also satisfied.
“Also, threats aimed at residents have not been observed so far. However, we request the public to immediately inform the police if they have any information, change, terrorist threat, or information regarding any person. Along with the short number 1997, you can give notice under it at any time.”
“At the same time, we invite all those registered or unregistered with the Tourism Board to report to 1997 any threat to any employee or other person or plan to commit a crime against a foreigner. We will take care of it immediately. Security measures in this regard.
“Sufficient security has been deployed. Today, a special security plan raids and searches were carried out in the Arugambe area, but no suspicious person or property was found.”
“So strictly speaking, we have provided maximum security for foreigners. Also, for the survival of the tourism sector, we as Sri Lankans must ensure the safety of foreigners.
