July 27, Colombo: A rehearsal of the special security plan designed in view of the 15th SAARC summit will come into effect in Colombo and in the Kotte area today (July 27 ) between 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., the police announced.

According to police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunesekera, this operation will be carried out as a prelude to the main SAARC Summit scheduled to be held during next week. The areas under the security plan will cover roads leading from the Galle Face roundabout up to the BMICH and to the Parliament in Kotte. These areas include Fort, Kollupitiya, BMICH and Kotte.

Meanwhile, another security operation will come into effect from today on the Colombo-Katunayake road from 3p.m. to 6p.m. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes during these times to avoid inconvenience.

SSP Gunesekera said that four High Security zones will be set up in Fort, Kollupitiya, the BMICH, Katunayake, and the Parliament during the main SAARC Summit. Only special pass holders will be allowed to travel in these areas during these periods.

Police stations will issue permits to residents in these areas. Around 20,000 security personnel including policemen and armed service personnel will be deployed during the Summit Conference in Colombo.

In addition to the local security hundreds of foreign security personnel who will be working closely with the local authorities will provide immediate security for their respective heads of government and related delegations.