More than 2,000 Catholic Churches placed under security cover

Over 2,000 Catholic churches have been placed under a special security cover from today onwards until Easter Sunday services are concluded, on a directive of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennannkoon.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Nihal Thalduwa, the Police Spokesman said that over 10,000 security personnel involving the Police, Special Task Force (STF) and the armed forces will be deployed for security.

Around 6,900 Police personnel, 470 STF personnel and 2,900 from the armed forces will be deployed while in addition police and security forces will be patrolling the area.

The security cover is being provided for 1,959 Churches where the Good Friday Services will be held today and 2,239 Catholic churches where the Easter Sunday services will be held.  Some of the churches where services will not be held also been provided security cover and thereby the total number of churches provided security will be 2,253.

“The security cover will continue from today until the Easter Sunday celebrations are concluded’, he said.

He said that there would also be check points placed around the churches and requested devotees to assist in the security operations. 

Pix by Akila Jayawardana