Security to be beefed up in vulnerable centres - IGP

Sandasen Marasinghe

Inspector General of Police Mahinda Balasuriya yesterday said that special security will be provided for particular polling centres including personnel from three Forces, Police and the Special Task Force which the Police deem fit. Addressing a media Conference the IGP also stated that the Police has identified such polling Centres based on past incidents, where special security should be provided.

He added that the special security will be deployed 500 metres away from the polling centre.

IGP Balasuriya further stated that 70,000 personnel from the Three Forces, Police and STF have been deployed for duty.

This is on the approval of the Elections Commissioner to provide security during the election. Out of this, 50,000 personnel are from the Police. He added personnel from three forces will be deployed to strengthen the Police Mobile Units.

He also stated that although personnel from the three forces and STF have been directed to provide security for almost every polling centre, the security in the counting center is provided only by the police.

He added that after the poll ends only those persons who were permitted by the Returning Officer or by the Government Agent will be allowed to enter the counting centers.

The IGP further stated that according to the Elections Comissioner, should there be any incident such as entering a polling centre forcibly the results of that particular centre will be nullified. He added that all processions will be banned after the results of the election was released.

The IGP also said that he has ordered the OICs and other senior officers to take stern action against any person who acted in breach of peace during this period.

He also requested the public and candidates to help the Police conduct a smooth poll.