(MENAFN- Colombo Gazette)
The Government has not ruled out the possibility of an islandwide lockdown if the coronavirus situation gets worse in Sri Lanka.
Cabinet co-spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said a discussion on the need for a lockdown was held with the National Operations Centre for the Prevention of COVID-19 and the health authorities yesterday (Monday).
However, Rambukwella said the Government is of the view that zonal and area-wise lockdowns are sufficient at present to curtail the spread of the virus.
Minister Rambukwella said the decision may change in the future depending on the situation in the country at that time.
He further insisted that Sri Lanka will not turn out like neighbouring India, which is currently facing a severe crisis due to the latest outbreak of COVID-19.
'The people of Sri Lanka are sensible, and we believe they will act in a responsible and sensible manner to prevent the further spread of the virus,' the Minister said.
Commenting on the recent revision on the isolation imposed on the Piliyandala Police area, Cabinet co-spokesman Minister Ramesh Pathirana refuted reports of political influence.
He told reporters today that decisions pertaining to isolation and lockdowns were taken by the National Operations Centre for the Prevention of COVID-19 together with the health authorities.
Minister Pathirana said the decisions are taken solely by the health authorities, and no politician or area representative is involved in the decision-making process.
The entire Piliyandala Police area was placed under isolation on Sunday (02) morning, but was later revised to 10 Grama Niladhari Divisions during the day.
It was reported that a certain Government MP was allegedly behind the decision to revise the isolation status. (Colombo Gazette)
MENAFN04052021000190011042ID1102024715
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.