News
Security measures to come in to operation at public places
In view of the current security situation in the country churches, schools, service providers and hospitals have taken steps to strengthen security.
Archdiocese spokesman Rev. Fr. Edmund said that they have advised churches against holding big masses even for weddings.
In the meantime, he said, the Western Provincial Council has offered to provide security to all the churches.
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry said that the police and the tri-forces will be employed to check the classrooms and school premises to ensure a safe environment when academic activities resume on May 6.
The ministry has also sent a circular to all schools instructing principals, administration personnel, teachers, parents and past pupils to join to form a security committee.
However Education unions have protested against a clause in Circular 25/2019 on security in schools, which states that the responsibility to ensure safety in schools lies with the school’s administration.
The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) said the clause indicates that the Education Ministry has washed its hands of this. “This clause should be removed,” he said.
However, the Ministry while refuting this claim, said they had a greater responsibility regarding the security of the schools, but school authorities, too, should play their role.
The Railways Department Additional General Manager, T.L. Wickramaratne said that they have stopped accepting parcels until further notice.
Security personnel have been deployed at the Fort and Maradana stations to check bags and passengers.
Passengers have also been requested to be vigilant and inform of any suspicious person with huge parcels or heavy backpacks.
National road Safety Council (NRSC) Chairman, Sisira Kodagoda said half hourly patrolling is being done by police and army officers at main bus stands and railway stations.
The NRSC together with the National Transport Commission have jointly asked drivers and conductors to be alert about passengers behaving in a suspicious manner or any suspicious-looking parcel.
Passengers have also been directed to keep their baggage on their laps and refrain from using the top racks on buses for storage. Even if a bus is parked either the driver or the conductor has to be present.
Drivers and conductors have been apprised of special 24-hour hotline numbers that can be contacted for an emergency.
Meanwhile private bus unions said they have instructed the drivers and conductors to refrain from accommodating passengers carrying huge parcels or bags. Private Bus Operators Association president Gemunu Wijeratne said that they have been asked to instruct passengers not to keep bags on overhead racks.
In a move to strengthen security in suburban railways the Railways Department has sought the assistance of threewheel drivers stationed close to the stations to alert them of any suspicious activity. Vendors in the area have also been asked to assist, Mr. Wijewardena said.
Meanwhile, Public Administration and Disaster Management Ministry Secretary J.J.Ratnasiri said they met with Defence Minsitry officials to discuss the security situation.
Patients have also been advised to refrain from bringing unnecessary baggage to hospitals after some unattended parcels in a couple of hospitals had resulted in panic situations..
Law courts have also prohibited women from bringing handbags into the courts chambers.