Several areas in Colombo district have been declared high-security zones (HSZs) by president Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The president yesterday (23) issued a gazette extraordinary that also says the Secretary to the Defence Ministry will act as the competent authority for the implementation of the HSZs.
No person will be allowed to conduct or hold a public gathering or procession on a road, ground, shore or other open area located within the HSZs without the prior permission of the IGP or the senior DIG in charge of the Western Province.
Construction of a building, a temporary or permanent construction or an excavation within HSZs will be allowed without the permit obtained from the competent authority for the said purpose in addition to the legal requirements which should be fulfilled by the person who intends to perform the aforementioned activities.
Each permit should specify the terms and conditions and the said construction or excavation should be performed subject to the said terms and conditions.
In addition, no vehicles will be allowed to be parked within HSZs unless reserved for parking by the competent authority or under the power of a permit issued by an authority.
The HSZs thus declared are as follows:
Parliamentary Complex, Supreme Court Complex, High Court Complex in Colombo, Magistrate Court Complex in Colombo and Attorney General’s Department, Presidential Secretariat, President’s House, Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters and Police Headquarters, Defence Ministry and Sri Lanka Army Headquarters in Akuregoda, Sri Lanka Air Force Headquarters in Slave Island and Prime Minister’s Office at Flower Road.
