71.   One section near the terminal was closed some time ago amid fears of bomb strikes against the main airport building.

72.   Police intelligence units at the main Katunayake airport have also tightened checks on all passengers.

73.   Security has also been tightened at the main airport and other key government installations.

74.   Security has also been tightened at the main Katunayake airport and railway station here while security forces checked vehicles for possible car-bombs.

75.   Sri Lanka on Friday announced sweeping measures as part of a tight security plan to protect the main international airport amid fears it may be targetted by Tamil guerrillas.

76.   The operation also came after the hijackers, who had brought the plane alongside the main airport terminal building, began firing at the control tower housing French negotiators.

77.   The passengers were then taken off the plane and transported back to the main airport to be treated by ambulance officers, they said.