The Government has banned the movement of trucks, trailer lorries, parades, demonstrations, rallies, gatherings political or otherwise and motorcades within the High Security Zone in and around Temple Trees with immediate effect.
It has also warned violators of stiff penalties that include stiff fines and even the confiscation of the vehicle.
In future any person or persons intending to enter the HSZ with a truck or trailer lorry must have prior written permission of a police officer not below the rank of DIG and the permit should be carried in the vehicle at all times and made readily available for inspection when required by law enforcement authorities.
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| File photo: No more protests such as this at Kollupitiya junction |
The new regulations were announced through a gazette notification. A fine not exceeding Rs. 5,000 will be imposed for a first time offender and if it is repeated a fine not exceeding Rs 10,000, while a third-time offender faces the risk of his/her vehicle being forfeited to the state by a court order.
In addition no person will be allowed to park a lorry or trailer in the HSZ for the purpose of loading or unloading items connected to maintenance services and the offender faces conviction after summary trial.
Accordingly, the HSZ starts from the Kollupitiya Railway Station Road towards Kollupitiya Junction and there on to Galle Face Junction, Kompannaveediya, Navam Mawatha and Fort.
The stretch of beach starting from Kollupitiya Railway Station to Galle Face Hotel is also included in the HSZ.
The new regulations also outlaw the construction of new buildings, renovations, extensions and excavations in the HSZ without prior approval from competent authorities. The lighting of firecrackers or fireworks of any description or for any reason within the HSZ is totally prohibited and any person who contravenes this regulation will be guilty of an offence.
Although the newly refurbished Galle Face Green is not included in the HSZ, the restrictions applied to the surrounding areas will, however, make it near impossible for vehicles to enter the popular promenade. At present only vehicles of people going to government offices or hotels in the area between the Hilton hotel junction and the Galle Face hotel junction are permitted. | 
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