State Minister instructs IGP to ensure quarantine rules followed in public transport: Ajith Rohana

Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama instructed Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take legal action against the public transport operators who violate quarantine rules and regulations, Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said.

He said a gazette notification in this regard has been published on December 15 by the Health Ministry.

The Gazette  describes the rules and regulations that should be adhered to when operating transport services.

Accordingly, the number of passengers were restricted only to the seating capacity of the buses, the spokesman said.

He said the IGP had issued a special circular to all Officers-In-Charge (OIC) of police stations to strictly implement the quarantine regulations.

"All traffic and other police officers who are conducting patrols have been instructed to ensure the law is being properly adhered to" he said.

Moreover, the Police have requested the owners of Public transport services, drivers and conductors to follow the quarantine rules.

Violation of this law in Amy manner, would lead to tough legal action under the quarantine and prevention ordinance, in accordance with the penal code, the Spokesman added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)