Strict security measures have been adopted ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to ensure that the tournament takes place without obstacle.

Security has been heightened in and around the Bandaranaike International Airport, the route from Katunayake to Colombo, the hotels lodging the cricket teams and the World Cup venues, the Central Organising Committee of the tournament said.

Police and army assistance will be used to carry out the special security measures, Tournament Director of the World Cup Suraj Dandeniya said.

Sri Lanka is co-hosting the 2011 Cricket World Cup along with India and Bangladesh. Twelve matches including a quarter final and semi-final will be played at three venues in Colombo, Hambantota and Kandy.

While the World Cup matches are scheduled to commence tomorrow (February 19), the first match to be played in Sri Lanka will begin on the 20th as the home team takes on Canada.