A people on alert

A spate of LTTE bomb attacks on civilians in Colombo and remote parts of the country has prompted authorities to put in place a string of security measures while the public too have become more vigilant. The attacks have already had an adverse effect on day-to-day activities with many avoiding crowded areas, limiting trips to town from the outskirts and avoiding rush hours as people feel more vulnerable when they are stuck in traffic jams.

Although random security checks at the entry points to main bus stands and train stations were in full swing during the week, the practical difficulties of carrying out such extensive searches were evident. For instance about 7, 500 journeys start from the Pettah Central Bus Stand and the adjoining Private bus stand at Gunasinhapura.

The official overseeing the security operations at the Pettah Central Bus Stand, Jagath Ranjan Perera said from next week commuters would be allowed to use the main entry point only while the others would be sealed off.“Special booths would be constructed at the main entrance to check passengers and their luggage,” he said adding that hand-held metal detectors would also be used from next week.

Elaborating on the security measures he said more police personnel would be deployed at the bus stand and buses would enter through Bodhiraja Mawatha as is the present practice and exit through Olcott Mawatha. He said passengers would be checked before they board the buses as well as when they get off. The buses too would be checked when they enter and leave the bus stand.

Mr. Perera said a special Mobile Search Unit comprising SLTB security and army personnel in civvies would be in operation round the clock to carryout random search operations within the bus stand. The public have been advised to carry small baggages when travelling in public transport so that they could be opened easily for security checks.

He said drivers and conductors operating on long distance routes have been cautioned that when they stop for tea and other breaks one of them should keep an eye on the bus and be watchful of any new face boarding the bus. Bastian Mawatha Private Bus Stand (Colombo) Terminal Manager Rukman Gamage said 15 officials of the Transport Authority, timekeepers along with police check as many buses as they possibly can.

“The buses are checked as they enter the stand and once again just five minutes before departure,” he said. However, there are many instances where passengers could easily be overlooked no matter how thorough the security searches may be. The Sunday Times observed many passengers carrying heavy baggages walking about the Pettah main bus stand without being checked and others boarding buses that were about to leave with no security personnel in sight.

Security has been tightened at the Kandy bus stand too following reports that last week’s bus bomb that exploded in Dambulla town had been taken by a passenger who boarded the ill fated bus in Kandy. Depot Manager Piyasiri Kariyawasam said drivers and conductors have been instructed to board the bus well in advance of passengers.

“SLTB workers and vendors operating in the bus stand premises have volunteered to help the in the random search operations and security checks,” he added. In relation to the Railway Department a protection force has been set up to carryout security checks on trains and railway stations. Currently there are about 400 department-approved employees serving the force all over the island and some of them have been provided with weapons.

Railways General Manager Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan said in addition to this as part of the new security measures trains would be randomly stopped and searched.“We understand the difficulties faced by passengers but they must cooperate with us in our efforts to keep everyone safe. No matter how thorough the security checks could be, you cannot guarantee that a suicide attack could be thwarted 100% unless you have the help of the public. So we urge them to be on the lookout for danger. Every passenger is an information agent. When they see mistakes and shortcomings in our security plans, they should tell us,” Dr. Gunaruwan said.

Meanwhile, the Education Ministry has taken measures to strengthen security in schools. The Sunday Times learns that the Ministry has launched the ‘Kumara Pawura’ programme to educate schoolchildren, teachers and parents on safety within the school premises and while travelling.

The Cadet Corps is currently engaged in holding seminars in schools. The Ministry’s secretary Nimal Bandara said some schools had even printed identity cards for each student to ensure maximum security within the school premises.“Some schools have appointed two parents for each day in the week to help check the bags of the children entering the school,” he said.

Police and army security personnel have also been stationed at the entrance of each school in Colombo with a minimum of two policeman providing security. Meanwhile schools within Colombo City limits that were closed for a week following the Independence Day celebrations, the launching of the four day ‘Dayata Kirula’ exhibition at the BMICH and the prevailing security situation, would re-open tomorrow.

However, some private schools had reopened on Friday for London Advanced Level students as applications for the exams in June had to be submitted to the British Council tomorrow. The students had been requested to attend school in casual attire. Mr. Bandara said all school ceremonies have been cancelled due to security concerns that arise when public figures and politicians attend such events.

Education Ministry’s Sports Division Director L.K. Jayaweera said some school sports events organized by various organizations have been cancelled or put off until further notice. Specific guidelines had been given to school authorities when organizing inter-school tournaments and sports meets including Zonal and Divisional events. They have been advised to hold low key ceremonies where only awarding of certificates to students would be permitted.

Mr. Jayaweera said students will not be allowed to attend any public ceremonial functions while band displays and drill displays have also been prohibited during any event. “Our priority is the safety of the children and some sacrifices have to be made at least temporarily,” he said. The upcoming big match season especially for schools in Colombo may also be affected if the current security situation prevails.

“We hope that the situation would be okay within the next few weeks, but events such as the cricket big matches pull big crowds and it would be impossible to control the numbers. This may push us to temporarily postpone such events,” he said. School Administrators were also advised against inviting public figures and politicians to all ceremonies.

Meanwhile tourist hotels and tourist sites in and around Colombo have not been provided with any additional security as the government is still assessing the need to do so. Tourism Ministry secretary George Michael said although many discussions have been held on providing security to hotels in Colombo the current situation had not demanded such a need.

“We have discussed this issue with the Minister and we are still evaluating the situation,” he said. Mr. Michael said that the Ministry was in the process of re-establishing the Crisis Management Unit to provide better security during an attack.

President of the Tourist Hoteliers Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), Hiran Cooray said that apart from the usual security measures, nothing additional had been implemented.“Standard vehicle checks and other security measures are carried out as usual and the security forces have been very co-operative and there have been no hint of any threats to tourist hotels,” he said.