COLOMBO, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan police on Sunday said over 200 drunk drivers had been arrested in a special 24 hour operation launched since Saturday morning in order to maintain law and order during the local new year.

The police said 237 drunk drivers had been arrested from across the island while over 6000 cases had been filed against drivers committing various traffic offences during the special 24 hour period.

Around 8,000 police officers had been deployed island wide to control traffic and prevent accidents during the festive season, while 2,400 police officers had been deployed in capital Colombo and the suburbs to maintain road safety.

Sri Lankans on Sunday celebrated the local Sinhala and Tamil New Year with several celebrations held across the country.