Central Bank employee tests positive for COVID-19

• CB tells financial market and general public that it’s essential to continue operations as usual
• CB senior management to work-from-home for a period of two weeks as precautionary measure 

The Central Bank on Saturday said one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19 on November 19. 
The bank said this has led to its senior management, which  functioned physically from the bank premises thus far, to opt for work-from-home for two weeks as a precautionary measure.

However, the bank assured the financial markets and the general public that its essential operations will continue as usual.

Acting swiftly following this incident, the Central Bank said it implemented all necessary measures to prevent contagion, including rigorous sanitisation and disinfection of its head office premises, tracing close contacts and arranging PCR testing for possible contacts. 

All other employees tested were found to be negative for the virus, a statement said.  

“The Central Bank follows stringent infection prevention guidelines to protect its staff and the visiting public, as the bank considers ensuring their safety as a top priority. 

The well tested Business Continuity Plan (BCP) of the Central Bank, early formation of an Emergency Action Task Force to provide guidance in case of an emergency situation, proactive measures taken by the bank in consultation with health authorities, continuous and close screening of all employees through regular online surveys, roster based working arrangement of in-person employees and effective work from home arrangements that have been put in place will help the bank to continue to function without disruption even after this incident,” the statement added.

The general public can continue to reach the Central Bank electronically via cbslgen@cbsl.lk / fcrd@cbsl.lk or via telephone 011-2477966 and the other numbers already announced.