Rajapaksa's residence under tight security

[TamilNet, Sunday, 31 August 2008, 18:01 GMT]
The Sri Lankan government has issued a gazette notification banning the movement of trucks, trailer lorries, parades, demonstrations, rallies, gatherings (political or otherwise) and motorcades within the high security zone in and around Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's residence "Temple Trees" in Colombo with immediate effect, officials in Colombo said. The lighting of firecrackers or fireworks for any reason within the HSZ is also totally prohibited.

HSZ starts from the Kollupitty railway station road towards Kollupitty junction and thereon towards Nawam Mawatte, Galle Face Junction, Company Road and the Fort. The stretch of beach starting from Kollupitty railway station to Galle Face Hotel is also included in the HSZ.

Those who enter the HSZ without permission would be fined 5,000/ = for the first time and if it is repeated a fine not exceeding Rs: 10,000/= would be imposed. But the third time offender faces the risk of his or her vehicle being forfeited to the state by a court order.

The new legislation has also outlawed the construction of new buildings, renovations, extensions and excavation in the HSZ without prior approval from competent authority.