Feb 18, Colombo: Sri Lanka Friday banned the cricket fans from displaying offensive insulting banners and posterns and playing bands at the ICC World Cup Cricket venues in the country.
Besides banners and posters, the Police said the spectators are also banned from bringing glass bottles, firearms, all sharp-edged items, knives, sticks, poles, cans, tins, firecrackers, and alcohol.
Addressing media, the police chief, Inspector General of Police Mahinda Balasuriya said, security measures have been tightened and the spectators will be checked for banned items at the entrances to the venues.
Alcohol is totally prohibited and people consumed alcohol will not be allowed to enter, the IGP stressed.
"We will not allow anyone carrying banners, posters or placards defamatory to any country, any person, or any race. The police will take action against those violators, we will confiscate the items," Reuters news agency quoted the IGP.
The IGP said arrangements have been made to control the traffic without causing difficulties for commuters and vehicle parks have been set up near the stadiums. If necessary the roads will be closed on an extremely restricted basis, he said.
The IGP asked the public not to stay around the stadiums if they fail to obtain tickets to the matches.
Police, including those specially trained for VIP protection, along with the military will handle the security for the venues and players.
Sri Lanka along with India and Bangladesh will host the World Cup. Including a quarter final and a semifinal, Sri Lanka will host 12 matches at three venues in Colombo, Pallekele, and Hambanthota beginning February 20 till April 1.
The three venues are newly-built Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Sooriyawewa, Hambanthota, renovated R. Premadasa Stadium (Kettarama) in Colombo and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. One of the semi-finals will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium on March 29.
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