Special Forces, warships to protect PM in Colombo

The unusually high number of security personnel will be divided into a protection force and Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) that would respond to threats. Sri Lankan authorities have termed the Indian security contingent as ‘slightly larger’ that the number of personnel assigned to protect a head of state.

An unspecified number of IAF Mi-17 choppers have also been sent to Colombo to ferry the troops. Besides, fighter aircraft of the Air Force have been kept on operational alert during the duration of the summit and have been deployed at Southern airfields. Experts of the IAF have also been sent to Colombo to keep an eye on the air defence cover of the capital. IAF officers will be guiding their Sri Lankan counterparts on the necessary arrangements required when the PM arrives in the capital.

Officials confirmed that a small delegation of IAF officers have been in Colombo for close to a month to set up the operation and establish a credible spot area defence. While the Indian Aerostat radar in South India will be monitoring air activity, IAF officers will keep an eye on the Indira low level radars of Sri Lanka that have been supplied by DRDO. Sources said an Aviation Research Centre (ARC) aircraft — part of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) — has also been stationed at Colombo for the duration of the summit.

On the sea front, the Navy has stepped up patrolling along Sri Lankan waters and has deployed the INS Ranvir and INS Mysore to keep an eye on the island’s coast line. In addition, the coast guard has stepped up its presence in the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar to undertake continuous patrolling for the duration of the summit.