Curfew in Colombo, Gampaha to continue

• Will be lifted in other 23 districts until May 23

By Sandun A. Jayasekera   

The Health and Security authorities reiterated that the public, private and state sector employees must maintain utmost care and strictly comply with the advisories and protocol issued by the government to keep the Covid-19 pandemic under control when they resume their routine work this morning as the curfew will be lifted for 15 hours from 5.00 am in 23 districts except Colombo and Gampaha today, police said. 

Deputy Inspector General of Police Ajith Rohana said private trips and travelling in private vehicles will not be permitted in the two districts where curfew is in force unless all the passengers in the vehicle have the relevant last two digits in the NIC (1 or 2 today – Monday) and a valid curfew pass.   

Those who attend to their workplace in Colombo and Gampaha Districts need to have in possession the service identity card and the letter issued by the sectional head of the office of the employee.   

“All the instructions and regulations issued by the government to be followed from May 11 onwards in curfew imposed districts will be applied to Colombo and Gampaha Districts unchanged. We expect the public will attend to the nearest pharmacy or market to their residence to purchase essential commodities and medicines,” Mr. Rohana said.   In the 23 districts where curfew is not in force, normal day-to-day activities are permitted as usual while strictly adhering to health and security instructions.   

Trains, SLTB and private buses have been allowed to take passengers to the seating capacity and under strict health instructions like washing hands, wearing a face mask before boarding up the train or a bus.  Three-wheelers are allowed to take only two passengers.