Sri Lanka's police today asked minority Tamils "loitering" in the capital Colombo to get back to their homes in the island's embattled northeast, saying they are a "threat" to national security.

The presence of a large number of Tamils from the troubled regions in Colombo was a threat to national security
and the safety of others, Police Inspector General Victor Perera told reporters.

"Those who are loitering in Colombo will be sent home. We will give them transport. We are doing this to protect the
people and because of a threat to national security," he said.

He said Tamils travelling to Colombo from the northern and eastern regions spent over six months in the
city without any employment and were "loitering".

Minority Tamils are already required to obtain a pass to travel to the rest of the country and specify for how long
they will be away. The permit system, which is almost like a visa, was restored after the ceasefire began falling apart
last year.

Despite the tight checks on Tamils, the Tiger rebels have been able to infiltrate the capital and carry out
devastating bomb attacks.

Meanwhile, Tamil member of Parliament Mano Ganeshan said 56 lodges, or low budget guest houses, complained to him that they were asked to close down and leave the premises immediately.

"The residents are distressed by these orders and claim it is difficult to find alternate accommodation at short
notice. I informed Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe about the matter and he promised to fight against it," he said.

The police deny they were shutting down the lodges, but merely asking Tamils who had stayed for long periods to leave.