Hotels, churches, main cities go under tight security

• STF and tri-forces are supporting police operations, with intelligence and plainclothes officers deployed in key commercial areas
• Western Province sees 2,500 extra police officers
• Many major hotels have implemented internal safety measures, including enhanced access control and guest screening procedures
• A special Operations Room has been established at Army Headquarters to ensure public safety and security throughout the festive season

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Sri Lanka Police and the Ministry of Defence, have implemented an enhanced security programme across major cities, religious sites, leading hotels and tourist areas during the Christmas and New Year festive season to ensure the safety of worshippers, tourists and the general public.   

The Daily Mirror learns that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has issued special directives to all police stations to strengthen security in high-traffic urban areas, including shopping complexes and public squares where large crowds are expected for year-end celebrations.   

In the Western Province alone, an additional 2,500 police officers have been deployed to maintain law and order.   
The security operations are supported by the Special Task Force (STF) and the tri-forces, with intelligence officers and plainclothes police deployed near busy commercial hubs to monitor and prevent criminal activity.   

Police Media Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said the IGP has instructed all Senior Deputy Inspector Generals of Police, Deputy Inspector Generals and Officers-in-Charge nationwide to implement formal security and traffic management plans to ensure a peaceful festive period, including Christmas and the dawn of the 2026 New Year.   

Special attention has been given to Catholic churches islandwide, where religious services and related programmes are to be held to mark Christmas. Police are coordinating with religious leaders and organizers to ensure the safety of devotees. Enhanced security has also been deployed at financial institutions, shops, leading hotels, shopping complexes and tourist hotspots frequented by local and foreign visitors.   

The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals, groups, vehicles or activities to the nearest police station, noting that public cooperation is essential to maintaining safety during the festive season.   

Meanwhile, many major hotels have implemented internal safety measures, including enhanced access control and guest screening procedures, and have been advised to maintain strict entry protocols to ensure visitor safety.   
Police have also launched special operations targeting reckless driving and traffic-related offences, which typically increase during holiday periods.   

Army Spokesperson Brigadier Waruna Gamage told the Daily Mirror that the military is on standby to assist the police whenever required.   

Meanwhile, a special Operations Room has been established at Army Headquarters to ensure public safety and security throughout the festive season.   

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Operations Room will remain operational until the end of the festive period and will serve as a central coordination centre to strengthen cooperation among the tri-forces and the Sri Lanka Police. The Ministry said the mechanism will enhance real-time information sharing, support timely decision-making and improve overall operational readiness.