(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Sri Lanka Police says measures are underway to implement a special security programme for tourists visiting Sri Lanka during the upcoming holiday season.
Issuing a statement, the Police said these security plans are being implemented while keeping in mind the ongoing wars in the Middle East and Eastern European regions.
The Police further said measures are taken to strengthen the tourist police and special directives are to be issued to all police stations in this regard by the Actg. IGP Priyantha Wijesuriya.
The security plans are formulated by the police and the State Intelligence Services (SIS), on the instructions and coordination of the Ministries of Defence and Public Security.
From today (Oct. 23) onwards, any tourist can reach the Police via the special emergency hotline 1997, with regard to security related issues, the statement further notes.
Commending the current role of those in the tourism industry including tourist hotels and their staff, the police says that they expect all possible measures will be taken by them in the future as well, to safeguard the lives and belongings of the tourists.
The Police statement further notes that all parties should take measures to address various issues faced by tourists, such as robberies and harassment by staffers.