r Ministry of Defence - Sri Lanka

Curfew Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam districts extended until May 4

April 25, 2020
  •      Govt. introduces a new NIC based digit system for those in essential services

The Government has extended curfew in high risk zones of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam districts until 5.00 am on May 4 while curfew in all other districts lifting from 5.00 am next Monday (27) and re-imposed from 8.00 pm the same day, the President’s Media Division (PMD) says in a press release today (25).

According to PMD, curfew in all districts other than high risk zones will be relaxed between 5.00 am and 8.00 pm daily until May 1, and the government would facilitate the functioning of public and private sector institutions in high risk zones even under curfew by easing the guidelines from May 4 onward, the PMD states.

The PMD states that the Departments, Corporations and Statutory Boards administrated under government’s purview and private sector factories, Businesses of building construction, other service stations and fish and vegetable grocery stores will be permitted to function accordingly.

Meanwhile, the Government has also introduce a National Identity Card (NIC) based digit system for those who move out from home to purchase essential items to select an outlet/sales-store in the close proximity, and the last digit of the NICs of respective persons would be considered as the permission as indicated below.

  • Those who have 1 to 2 numbers on their NIC’s as last digit are permitted to move out for essential services on Mondays, 3 to 4 on Tuesdays, 5 to 6 on Wednesdays, 7 to 8 on Thursdays and 9 and 0 on Fridays.

Travel restrictions between districts will further continue, however, essential services and those who are commuting for workstations will be allowed to cross, PMD states.

However, holding ceremonies, pilgrimages, public gatherings, pageants and shows are not permitted and the Government request to cancel all religious events which may gather devotees.