A series of key decisions aimed at strengthening public security in the Batticaloa District were taken at a meeting of the District Coordinating Committee held on August 13.
The meeting, chaired by the Committee’s head Sunil Handunneththi, was attended by Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, Members of Parliament representing the district, local council chairpersons, and senior government officials.
Discussions focused on pressing issues, including the fight against narcotics, challenges faced by police officers in the area, environmental concerns, and measures to protect vulnerable children.
To address the shortage of police personnel, the committee decided to deploy 50 additional officers to the district within a week until new recruits are appointed.Â
Measures to curb illegal sand mining and transportation were also agreed upon, with instructions issued to strictly enforce the law and ensure local councils and police are informed when legal mining permits are issued.
The committee also resolved to implement a scientific programme to ensure the safety, health, sanitation, and education of vulnerable children, with police already engaged in identifying and protecting such cases.
In addition, a special joint operation involving the Sri Lanka Police, the Police Special Task Force, and the armed forces will be launched to tackle the distribution of illicit liquor and drugs across the district. (Islandnews)
