No decision to lift travel restriction and impose strict islandwide curfew: Army Chief

While denying social media reports that plans were afoot to lift the ongoing travel restriction and impose a strict islandwide curfew, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said today that the government had not taken any such decision.

General Silva told Daily Mirror that no such discussion had taken place at the COVID task force meeting nor was such a request made by the authorities.

He said at the moment there was no need to make any such decision but relevant authorities would discuss it if the need arises.

General Silva urged the public not to be misled by various misinformation campaigns related to the coronavirus situation circulated over social media. 

He further said that the Government Information Department or recognized electronic or print media will immediately provide official information to the public on any action that will be taken by the Government.

When asked whether the travel restrictions would be extended after June 14, General Silva said that the current COVID situation in the country will be discussed with health experts and a decision will be taken  whether to extend the travel restrictions further as per their recommendations.

Meanwhile, when Daily Mirror inquired from State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle whether any request was made by health authorities at the Covid-19 task force meeting to further extend travel restrictions or to go for a curfew, she said no such request was made.

Meanwhile, President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association Dr. Pathma Gunaratne said on Monday that she was not satisfied with the current travel restriction system and the behavior of the people will have a severe effect on the future results. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)