Sri Lanka: Increased security measures in place nationwide for memorial events through April 21

Event

Authorities are bolstering security at churches across Sri Lanka through April 21 due to memorial events to mark the second anniversary of bomb attacks against several Christian places of worship and other sites. The tightest security is likely around large churches in urban centers. St Anthony's Shrine in Kochchikade, Colombo, a site of one of the 2019 incidents, will host memorial programs 16:00 April 20-12:00 April 21. Increased security measures will probably also be in place in crowded locations like transport hubs as a precaution. Dozens to hundreds of people will likely participate in each event, especially in major cities like Colombo.

Officials will probably set up checkpoints, conduct vehicle checks, and deploy additional personnel at churches April 20-21. Authorities may also close roads nearby places of worship to facilitate security measures. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely around churches.

Advice

Plan for traffic disruptions, especially near churches in cities such as Colombo. Consider avoiding prominent religious services and other crowded sites as a precaution. Carry proper identification documents; remain polite and non-confrontational if stopped by security forces. Heed all official traffic and security advisories.