The Sri Lanka Police and the Ministry of Defence have implemented a security programme in major cities, religious places, prominent hotels and tourist areas to ensure the safety of devotees, tourists and the public during the Christmas and New Year festive season.
The Inspector General of Police has also issued a special order to all police stations to tighten security in heavily congested urban areas including shopping malls and public squares where large numbers of people are expected to flock for the year-end celebrations.
In the Western Province alone, 2,500 additional police officers have been deployed to maintain law and order. In addition, intelligence officers and plainclothes police officers have been deployed near busy commercial centres to monitor and prevent criminal activities.
Police Media Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wutler said that the IGP has instructed all Senior DIGs, DIGs and officers in charge across the country to implement proper security and traffic management plans for a peaceful festive season, including Christmas and the 2026 New Year.
Special attention has been paid to Catholic churches across the island where religious services and related programs are scheduled to be held to celebrate Christmas. In addition, a special operations room has been established at the Army Headquarters to ensure public safety and security throughout the festive season.