r Ministry of Defence - Sri Lanka

Normalcy returns from May 11 - Govt.

May 02, 2020

The Government yesterday announced amidst of prevailing curfew in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam districts, the civilian life and State and private sector activities will resume from 11 May.

A statement released by the President’s Media Division (PMD) states to ensure the return to normalcy in civilian life and to revive the economy, including continuous provision of essential services in these districts, both public and private sector entities should resume their work from 11 May.

According to PMD, the Heads of institutes have been advised to make necessary arrangements, taking into consideration the required number of employees to run their organisations. Head of each entity should ensure strict adherence to the guidelines issued by the Director General of Health Services and other health authorities to control the spread of COVID-19 while carrying out their operations.

The responsibility of deciding who should come to office and the number of staff required lies with the head of each State organisation, including departments, corporations, and boards.

The private sector entities are requested to open for work at 10 a.m. daily.As a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the public have been asked to refrain from unnecessarily coming to roads and gathering at various other places.

The PMD also states that buses belonging to the Sri Lanka Transport Board and railway carriages can only transport employees who are reporting for work.

“Civilians, except those who are essentially required to report to work, are requested to remain in their homes. People are allowed to leave their homes only to purchase essential items, such as food and medicines. COVID-19 prevention recommendations should strictly be followed at each instance. Curfew passes issued by the Police authorities are valid only if the driver and passengers wear facemasks,” PMD said in the statement.

Curfew in the country, except in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam, will only be effective from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily till Wednesday (6 May).

The curfew, which will be imposed at 8 p.m. on 6 May, will continue till 5 a.m. on 11 May.