The police today announced that banners, placards, musical instruments, glass bottles, fire crackers, laser lights, sharp instruments, knives, professional cameras and alcohol are prohibited in World Cup venues.
Police Chief Mahinda Balasuriya announced this at a press conference held in Colombo today. He also said that a special traffic plan will be implemented during the tournament, but said that the police will close roads leading to the World Cup playing venues from time to time.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mahinda Balasuriya said that the police with the assistance of the three armed forces will implement a combine security plan during the twelve matches scheduled to be played in the country.

The police, the Army, Navy, Air Force, STF, PSD and MSD will provide security to the players, local and foreign spectators, VVIP’s and cricket officials. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Interpol will also assist in security measures that are set to be implemented, he said.

“We want to have an incident free tournament. Steps have been taken to prevent any unnecessary incident. Medical assistance will be provided by the Health Ministry together with other healthcare agencies”, he added.

“The security for the cricketers will be provided by the police with the STF from the arrival to the country, during matches, while at hotels and other gatherings and till they leave the country”, IGP Balasuriya said.

CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Ajith Jayasekara said that the first match will be played on Sunday at the Sooriyawewa Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium when Sri Lanka takes on Canada. All the tickets for the match have already being sold.

“It is the third biggest sporting event in the world and all attention has being coming to the region. Over the past one and a half years the three stadiums were built and were equipped with all the modern facilities. Five out of the six matches played by Sri Lanka will be played at home”, he added.

“Twelve matches including a quarter final match and a semi final match will be played in the country”, he said.

"Tickets will be sold a week before the match and only the Rs.50 tickets are available for the general public now. For the Sri Lanka-Pakistan match scheduled to be played on February 26, around 9500 Rs.50 tickets will be sold tomorrow at the B.D Sirisena ground in Maligawatta", SLC Security Chief Major General Lawrence Fernando said.  (Supun Dias)