DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA 
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Police tighten security around foreign missions and tourist hotels amid Middle East tensions
--Round-the-clock patrols launched in the capital
--"Big match" deployments strain police resources
--Mobile patrol units directed to maintain constant presence in diplomatic zones and tourist hotspots
--Airport security remains tightened, with special arrangements to safely transport tourists amid flight cancellations
By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya
Colombo, March 03 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Police has implemented special security measures to safeguard foreign diplomatic missions in the capital and hotels accommodating tourists in the wake of tensions in the Middle East, the Daily Mirror learns.
A senior police officer said that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has instructed all relevant divisions, particularly the Tourist Police Division, to enhance security at hotels and key locations frequented by foreign visitors.
The move comes in response to the escalating situation in the Middle East, which has raised concerns about potential attacks and protests that could target foreign embassies.
According to senior officials, police are particularly focused on preventing any attempts by agitated groups to storm embassy premises or stage volatile demonstrations that could spiral out of control.
However, the Police Department is currently grappling with a significant manpower shortage.
“We are facing a critical shortage of officers needed to provide the desired level of static, 24-hour security at every diplomatic mission,” a senior officer said.
The ongoing “Big Match” cricket season in Colombo has further strained resources, with a large number of officers deployed for crowd control and traffic management duties at match venues.
Despite these constraints, police assured that once the cricket fixtures conclude, officers currently assigned to stadium security will be redeployed to reinforce security cordons around embassies and tourist hotels.
In the meantime, mobile patrol units have been directed to maintain a constant presence in diplomatic zones and tourist hotspots, conducting day-and-night visits to ensure that no security breaches occur.
Police also said that round-the-clock security has been provided to Chabad Centres across the country in response to potential threats.
A senior officer attached to the Tourist Police Division said that the IGP has specifically instructed police units and tourist police officers to strengthen security arrangements for foreign tourists throughout the country.
On Tuesday, at least 22 people were reportedly killed and more than 120 injured in Pakistan when violent protesters attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate in Karachi and other diplomatic facilities, leading to clashes with security forces and widespread unrest.
When contacted by the Daily Mirror, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara said that the Public Security Ministry is currently overseeing the security arrangements. He did not indicate whether military personnel had been deployed to assist police.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the OIC of the Tourism Division at the airport said that airport security remains tightened as usual and that measures are being taken to safely transport tourists to their hotels following flight cancellations.
Several attempts to contact Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala failed, while the Secretary to the Ministry, Ravi Seneviratne, also declined to comment on the measures taken regarding the safety of tourists and diplomatic missions.
Meanwhile, the United States Department of State has advised U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise caution following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran. The Department has urged Americans, particularly those in the Middle East, to follow guidance issued by the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate and to be prepared for possible travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures.
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