(COLOMBO) – The Sri Lanka Police is to launch a special security operation at places of Christian worship throughout the country in view of the upcoming Good Friday and Easter Sunday week, a senior police official said on Tuesday.
A directive to this effect has been sent out officers in charge of their respective divisions from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, Police Media spokesman Deputy Inspector General Nihal Thalduwa said.
He said that the heads of local police stations have been instructed to interact with the clergy and board of trustees of churches to prepare security plans while the Holy Masses are in progress from 29 – 31 March 29 to 31.
Under this security plan, the church premises would be inspected before the commencement of the sermons in a manner that does not disturb the devotees, DIG Thalduwa said
“Further, if it is deemed necessary to conduct body searches before allowing devotees to enter the church premises, the police officers are instructed to make necessary preparations after discussing with the priests and boards of trustees of respective churches.
Special attention will be given to churches that attract crowds in large numbers”, the police spokesman added.
Further, instructions have been given to obtain the assistance of the Special Task Force (STF) and the Tri-Forces personnel if the number of police officers deployed to churches is inadequate, he said.
The police have also called on the general public to cooperate with the police and security forces personnel that would involved in the security operation.
In 2019 over 250 people were killed and an equal number injured, many maimed for life after jihadists suicide bombers attacked three Christian churches and several up market hotels.
The attack was initially blamed on home grown Islamic jihadists but later the ISIS claimed responsibility.
