Over 4,000 police officers have been deployed in Colombo during the holiday season for security and traffic management, the Police said.
According to police spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara, this includes 2,800 uniformed police officers and 300 officers in civvies. Another 1,200 will be deployed for traffic management duty, he said.
The police have introduced a special program to reduce traffic congestion within the city. “IGP Pujith Jayasundara has ordered to increase the number of officers on duty during this period,” SP Gunasekara said, adding that instructions have been given to senior officers. The police are to also step up drunk driving detection to reduce accidents during the festive period.
Meanwhile, SP Gunasekara requested the public to be vigilant and take safety precautions at all times.
“People should be vigilant about their valuables in crowded places,” he said while emphasising the need to be cautious when lighting firecrackers.