Lodges in HSZs to be relocated

COLOMBO: Lodges in Colombo's High Security Zones will be relocated to less sensitive areas under a plan to improve the capital city's security's arrangements, Police said yesterday.

Lodge owners and mangers are cooperating fully with this move, following a discussion between Police and 56 lodge representatives from Pettah and Dam Street areas.

This follows information to the effect that terrorist elements, underworld figures and other anti-social individuals had sought shelter at these lodges apart from genuine travellers who had come to Colombo for legitimate purposes such as getting visas, passports and driving licences.

TNA MP R. Sampanthan had telephoned President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday morning in this regard and requested him to ensure that residents of the North-East coming to Colombo for genuine purposes are not harassed or inconvenienced by this move.

President Rajapaksa has assured that his concerns would be addressed and instructed the Security Forces to ensure that the proposed action on lodges be taken without inconveniencing travellers and guests. Pettah OIC Jayaratne Manamperi said the lodge keepers have to be responsible for their guests.

Their bona fides must be checked and the details passed on to the nearest Police station. If lodge owners see guests or outside persons behaving in a suspicious manner in their lodges, police must be informed immediately, he said.

Lodge owners also have the right to inspect the baggage of guests.