Measures will be taken to further strengthen security in residential blocks located in Colombo and its surrounding urban areas. It has been reported that the Police and the Urban Development Authority are going to carry out these activities jointly to maintain law and order in residential complexes managed under the Urban Development Authority.
While attention has been focused on various safety-related issues in densely populated urban areas, officials have discussed a comprehensive plan to curb them.
It is reported that the high-level discussion held at the office of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Colombo, was chaired by Attorney General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya. Officers including Colombo Deputy Inspector General of Police Nishantha D Soyza also participated in this discussion.
The main objective of this security scheme is to protect the life and property of the people living under the urban regeneration scheme.
New measures to increase safety in residences
Based on the recommendations made by the Director General of the Urban Development Authority, Tamith Dissanayake, it has been informed that the authorities have been instructed to take necessary security measures through the police stations near the residential areas.
In particular, the authorities have focused on the security situation in some densely populated residential complexes. Increased police presence to maintain law and order in the areas was also discussed.
As part of this, it is planned to establish new police stations or facilities for police stations wherever necessary. The scheme also includes upgradation of existing police stations.
Similarly, steps will be taken to increase regular police patrols in residential areas. This is expected to provide an opportunity to quickly focus on suspicious activities and provide immediate response to public safety issues.
One of the main objectives of these activities is to create a safe environment for the daily life of people living in urban residential areas.
Also, authorities have focused on activities that cause damage to public places and public property. It is reported that the need to protect public property in residential complexes has also been emphasized in the discussion.
Attention to drugs and damage to public property
The discussion also covered issues related to alleged drug trafficking in certain residential complexes.
Authorities have also focused on possible links between drug-related activities and damage or vandalism to public property in residential areas.
In this background, the police are going to take action to curb drug related activities and prevent illegal activities from happening in residential areas.
In cases where information is received regarding criminal activities, it is planned to investigate them properly and take legal action against those who cause damage to public property.
Setting up of new police stations, upgradation of existing police stations, increased patrolling and stricter legal action against crimes against public property have been mentioned as key features of the scheme.
The discussion also emphasized the need for the police and the Urban Development Authority to continue to work together to ensure long-term security in the densely populated urban areas of Colombo and its surroundings.
The safety of people living in residential complexes is not something that can be fully ensured by police action alone. Cooperation of concerned institutions, residents and community level organizations is also essential. In particular, reporting suspicious activities to appropriate authorities, protecting public property and creating an environment where illegal activities are not allowed will be important.
Meanwhile, it is expected that attention will be given to changes in the law and order situation in urban areas around Colombo after the planned new police security measures come into effect.
Officials said that these activities, which will be carried out jointly by the police and the urban development authority, are aimed at improving the safety of people living under the urban revitalization projects and the protection of properties.