By Prensa Latina,
Colombo : The Sri Lankan government plans to tighten security in this capital during the 15th South Eastern Asian Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit, scheduled from July 27 to August 3.
Security measures include closing train stations and more than 50 schools in the downtown sector of Fort, the Daily Mirror reported. Authorities, who are involved in a separatist conflict in northern Sri Lanka that frequently affects Colombo and its surroundings, are taking measures to guarantee the safety of the participants in the summit.
The heads of State and of Government of all seven member countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives, as well as Afghanistan, which will join the association, and a dozen of observers, are expected to attend the meeting.
LankaNews reported on Wednesday that India would send three warships, including two destroyers equipped with guided missiles, to protect Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his delegation.
According to the source, India “does not want to leave room for errors”, as the Tamil Tigers use suicide bombers and have certain naval and air capacity, although they have been seriously hit by the ongoing military offensive.
The Times of India also reported on New Delhi’s contingency plan.