DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA 
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Colombo, Dec.25 (Daily Mirror) - More than 2,300 churches across the country to hold masses on Christmas Day and special security measures have been enacted for churches conducting Christmas Day masses with more than 7,500 police personnel deployed.
In preparation for the Christmas and festive season, a comprehensive security programme encompassing the entire country has been implemented, with police and STF assigned to ensure the safety of the public, police said.
Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that Acting IGP Thennakoon has issued instructions to all senior officers and OICs to take necessary arrangements concerning security.
He said that circulars have been distributed to Senior DIGs and Police OICs outlining the implementation of security arrangements.
Identifying approximately 2,862 churches nationwide, with 2,340 scheduled to hold masses on Christmas Day, a Civil Committee has been established at each church.
Senior DIGs, ASPs, HQIs, and OICs in respective police areas have been directed to coordinate with these committees to implement necessary security measures, the spokesman said.
He said the Acting IGP instructed to use the Special Task Force of Police personnel for relevant security measures and urged seeking assistance from the Army or other security forces if required.
To address security concerns, a dedicated hotline (0112472757) at Police Headquarters has been established for priests of churches.
Meanwhile, the public has been urged by the police to take precautions for the safety of homes and business premises when leaving for trips or events.
Police said special operations will be carried out targeting reckless drivers during the festive season.
