Special security programmes for Poson Poya day

Colombo, June 18 (Daily Mirror) - Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshbandu Tennakoon has instructed the relevant authorities to implement special security programmes to ensure the safety of religious and cultural events for this year's Poson festival.

Following a discussion held this morning, the IGP has directed all Provincial Senior DIGs, District DIGs and Divisional Officers to take the necessary actions.

It was reported that 11,095 out of 12,050 Buddhist temples have organized religious activities and programmes for Poson Poya. 

It was reported that 322 Poson zones, 296 Poson pandals, 4,557 Poson dansalas and 5,929 Poson ceremonies will be held across the country, with the majority of events taking place at temples in the Western Province.

To ensure the safety of devotees from various regions, police posts have been established. A total of 19,062 police officers, 370 Special Task Force personnel, 607 soldiers from the tri-forces, and over 26,013 Community Police Committee members will be assigned for security duties.

Additionally, the IGP has instructed senior police officers to implement special traffic plans at police station level and to ensure area security through day and night mobile and motorcycle patrols.