Security bolstered in Mihintale

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

COLOMBO: Police have taken measures to ensure the security of thousands of Poson pilgrims who will converge on Mihintale today, Anuradhapura SSP H.A. Illangasiri told the Daily News.

Accordingly, over 5,000 Police personnel including Civil Security officers will be on duty during the Poson festive season. Apart from strengthening security, these officers will also be engaged in other tasks such as manning Information Centres and first aid.

Police Information Centres will be established in four locations allowing devotees to obtain information. Police officers on duty at the Information Centres will provide pilgrims with information while also assisting them in other ways.

"All vehicles will be checked at entry points and issued a sticker to denote the place of origin of the vehicle. The police will also conduct checks aimed at ensuring maximum security and safety of devotees," SSP Illangasiri added. In addition, the Police Life Saving Unit will be on duty near major tanks with the assistance of the Navy's Life Saving Unit.

Police requested pilgrims to be careful when bathing in tanks in the locality since tanks are filled to spill level due to the recent heavy rains in the area although life saving units will operate at some tanks. However, pilgrims will not be allowed to bathe or wash in the Nuwarawewa and Tissawewa.

Although security will be deployed to the maximum devotees have been requested to exercise extra vigil.

The Police have also asked for the full cooperation of pilgrims to carry out their duties including checking. Arrangements have been made to provide water, sanitary, transport and facilities to devotees visiting Anuradhapura and Mihintale.