Country raises its guard in face of violent extremism
Nearly a decade after Tamil terrorism was ended, checkpoints and increased protection of people, schools, hospitals, and public and private premises have returned to Sri Lanka after the mass murder by Islamic suicide killers in churches and hotels on Easter Sunday.
Long queues form outside buildings because of security checks. Parking is restricted in public places, government departments, and religious places. Eateries are employing their own private security, while the military is guarding some tourist hotels.
Private hospitals have bolstered security, while the military is looking after perimeter protection. The police and the army have put up roadside checkpoints, at junctions and bridges as well as entry points to Colombo. Vehicles are throughly checked. The military is guarding government offices, the Fort Railway Station and the Petttah bus stand.
The Inland Revenue Department ( IRD) has strengthened security. There are Civil Defence Force (CDF) and Army Commandos patrolling the pavement around the building preventing illegal parking. The police are checking identity cards and taking notes. People are not allowed to carry bags, helmets, and jackets inside. The CDF officials ask people to place their bags, hats, caps and jackets on the two racks at the sides of the main entrance.
Mohomad Nilam, 44, who works in a private company, said he feels safe after seeing the increased security at the IRD. “Checkpoints are needed to counter terrorists. We must not allow terrorists to attack more people,’’ he said.
Sujith Kumara Weerasinghe, 45, a messenger, who was at the IRD, said he is subjected to checks at other government offices. “There are a lot of military officials in the building, we feel secure,” he said. He feels obliged to co-operate with security checks.
Security at the Department of Immigration and Emigration has been increased. Military officials check bags and pat down everyone at the entrance.