Security tightened for May Day in Colombo

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 30 April 2003, 01:13 GMT]
More than five thousand Police personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order in Colombo when several political parties hold May Day rallies, processions in Colombo on May 1st Thursday, Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr.Bodhi Liyanage said Tuesday.

This year eleven May Day rallies are being organized to be held in Colombo. Liquor shops will be closed in all districts on May Day, police said.

Soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and Police Commandos of the Special Task Force (STF) will be called for service in emergency situation, DIG further said.

Special security plan and traffic arrangements have been finalized in areas where May Day rallies of three major political parties, United Nation Front (UNF), Peoples Alliance (PA) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) are to be held, police said.

UNF May day rally will be held at Colombo municipal grounds. JVP May Day rally will be held at BRC grounds. President Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge will preside over the Peoples Alliance May Day rally at Colombo Town hall, police said.