Horror house publicity stunt goes wrong in Thoduwawa

Colombo, June 15 (Daily Mirror) - A heightened security alert in several areas prompted the police to launch an immediate inquiry on Sunday after an ominous poster appeared near a church on the coastal road in Thoduwawa, Marawila.

The poster, which contained alarming messages including “What will happen tonight? Expect a major disaster” and a warning to “expect a tragedy,” prompted residents to alert authorities over possible security concerns.

Given the sensitive location and prevailing security situation, the police conducted an investigation to determine whether there was any credible threat. Following inquiries in the area, officers established that the poster was not linked to any security risks.

Police later found that a group of teenagers had displayed posters in the area as part of a publicity effort for a "haunted house" (horror house) attraction in the neighbourhood, using dramatic wording to attract visitors.

Investigations revealed that the feast of the church in Thoduwawa was held on Sunday.

Senior police officials had earlier been informed of unverified intelligence indicating possible threats targeting multiple areas, which contributed to heightened vigilance.

Following the investigation, police confirmed that there was no threat to public safety.