Tight security for festive season

Rafik Jalaldeen

Security was beefed up at main capitals all over the country round the clock and maximum security was dispensed as civilians celebrating Christmas and New Year, police media spokesman Senior DIG Jayantha Wickramaratne said.

Following the twin bomb blasts which cost lives of 36 civilians in Nugegoda and Kebithigollawa the security was stiffened in public transports and public places. "The LTTE are targeting innocent civilians by placing bombs in public places and the public buses.

Therefore, to stop any such future attack the public places and public transport should be subjected to search", DIG Wickramaratne told the Daily News.

According to DIG Wickramaratne maximum security was given to all capitals around the country by the three forces, police and Civil Defence Committee.

He reiterated that all print and electronic media were contributed immensely to impart awareness programmes on security and reach the public on time.

People are engaged in shopping in view of the forthcoming Christmas and the New Year.

"The LTTE may use the opportunity to target the civilians placing bombs at public places and public transport. The public were urged to be vigilant and the shop owners, bus drivers and bus conductors were alerted on any possible LTTE target", he added.

He urged the public to be vigilant about their surroundings and inform the nearest police station or contact the emergency lines if any suspicious person, movement or parcel was observed.