In order to ensure a smooth stay, the Sri Lankan government has hired a private Bee Protection Organisation to clear thousands of wasps ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.
Lankan police fear that helicopters carrying the VIPs, could disturb multiple wasp nests in large trees in the vicinity. Till now, two locations have been cleared off the wasp nests in the central hill area of Dickoya.
"There were two big nests near two helipads. At the time of landing, helicopters can disturb the wasps and they could sting people in that area," Bandara Thambavita, the head of wasp removal unit Tissa, told the AFP news agency.
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The security units assigned with the provision of security to PM Modi is coordinating with the Hatton Superintendents of Police office and have obtained the assistance of the organisation for the protection of such insects.
"Lankan authorities have taken measures to prevent any attack by these wasps that are now present in large numbers in the estate sector," official sources told PTI.
Modi will travel to Sri Lanka on May 11 to attend the biggest Buddhist festival, 'Vesak Day' the next day.
The 'International Day of Vesak' celebrations, to be held in Colombo from May 12 to 14, will include an International Buddhist Conference in which over 400 delegates from more than 100 countries will participate.
He will inaugurate a well-equipped hospital in Dickoya built with the Indian assistance. He will later address a public rally at the Norwood grounds.
Both the Lankan leaders President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe are to accompany the Indian leader to the hill region.
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With PTI Inputs
