Sri Lanka Police will beef up countrywide security today in line with the Esala Full Moon Poya Day and will exercise a special traffic and crime control programme for the benefit of the devotees.   

The Inspector General of Police has given instructions to all the Senior Deputy Inspector Generals and DIGs in charge of countrywide ranges, provinces and districts to have a special security plan with the assistance of the Police Special Task Force and the Army if necessary.   

The police will intensify day and night regular patrols, cordon search operations and deploy personnel in civvies to monitor and control large crowds that are expected to throng leading sacred sites and cities, where religious festivals and Perahera are scheduled to take place.   

The public is requested not to drink and drive and refrain from reckless driving, especially within the areas where large crowds are expected, the Police Headquarters said issuing a statement yesterday.