A strong police force numbering 5,000 officers will be deployed to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety of those participating in political rallies and processions on May Day, DIG of the Western Province, Anura Senanayake, said.

Addressing a media briefing yesterday, the DIG said special arrangements will be made to ensure mobility of patients to hospitals, and that other essential services will remain intact and uninterrupted when the May Day rallies and parades are in progress. Around 600,000 participants are expected to take part in the rallies scheduled for May Day according to the DIG, who added that police riot squads will be placed at vulnerable spots to handle any situation. When May Day processions start, the roads used by the participants will be closed temporarily, to avoid any possible traffic congestion.