Sri Lanka, May 1 -- Police have deployed thousands of officers, including Special Task Force personnel and intelligence units, across the country for security and traffic management during today's May Day rallies and parades.

Major rallies are expected not only in Colombo but also in key cities such as Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Kandy, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Galle, Matara and Kalutara.

Police said the measures are aimed at ensuring peaceful commemorations, maintaining public safety, and minimising disruption to traffic as political parties and trade unions stage large-scale events nationwide.

Police stations island-wide have been instructed to enforce traffic control, ensure road safety, and manage crowds effectively....