Highway police squad to ride to your rescue

By Damith Wickramasekara

Police have introduced a new security plan along the southern coastal highway from Bentota to Katharagama, to reduce accidents, crime and ensure safety of travellers. Southern Province DIG Jayantha Gamage said the new security plan that operates round the clock covers a stretch of 221 kilometres. He said anyone who needed assistance could call the new emergency number, 091-4933333.

He said sign boards have been set up along the stretch indicating a particular zone number . "If a caller needs police assistance in Galle town the number would be 35 and this is indicated on the boards in Galle town,” he said. He said the plan has been introduced not only to reduce accidents and crime but also to assist the public.

For instance if a motorist was stranded at night he could seek the assistance of this unit while illegal activities such as sand mining could also be reported. A motorcycle squad of more than 100 policemen and four emergency cars have been mobilized for this new unit.