DIG takes to streets on security mission

Sarath Malalasekera

Colombo Deputy Inspector General of Police Nimal Mediwaka yesterday took to the streets to personally ascertain whether the shop-keepers, pavement hawkers and three-wheeler drivers were complying with instruction issued to counter bomb threats and also to avoid any inconvenience to the public during the festive season in the Colombo District.

“Public assistance is vital for the Police Force to maintain law and order in the country.
 

“Therefore on the direction of IGP Victor Perera, a Police Community Service led by Senior SP I.M. Karunaratne has been set up in all areas of the Colombo division,” a Police spokesman said.

Senior SP Karunaratne said on the Colombo DIG’s direction over 350 civil citizens have been selected to assist police to maintain law and order in the Colombo city.

These special arrangements have been taken on a directive of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Civil Service Director General Sarath Weerasekera, DIG Mediwaka said.

Colombo Central Senior SP Ajith Fonseka, Colombo South Senior SP Mahesh Samaradiwakara and a police team attached to the Colombo division joined the Colombo DIG on his street mission.

Posters with messages such as - Be careful - unattended bags, travelling bags or vehicles can be a bomb. Avoid touching it. Move away to a safe distance and request the others also to move away from the scene were distributed among the public.

The leaflets also request the public to inform the nearest Police Post or Police Station on 2435327, 2421111, 118 or 119, Colombo Emergency Unit on 011- 2433333, STF Operation Room on 011- 258518 and Army Bomb Defusing Unit on 011- 2434251. Earlier, the Colombo DIG attended Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu and Muslim religious ceremonies at the Colombo DIG’s Office.

Addressing shop-keepers, pavement hawkers and three-wheeler drivers, Colombo DIG Mediwaka said their maximum assistance was needed to maintain law and order in the Colombo division.

The Colombo DIG said security in the Colombo Division will be strengthened and also suitable traffic arrangements made to facilitate a smooth flow of operations. “Our duty is to implement the President’s concept of Mathata Thita to eradicate the drug menace from the country,” the Colombo DIG added.

The Colombo DIG appealed to his officers to build a close relationship with the media to develop the city of Colombo.

All Colombo Division Senior SPs, SPs, ASPs, OICs and Police Women assisted in the Colombo DIG’s task of maintaining law and order in the city of Colombo.