President reviews plans to resume normalcy in Colombo and other districts from 11 May

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday undertook a complete review of plans to resume the functioning of State institutions private sector and daily life of Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, and Puttalam districts from 11 May.

In a meeting held yesterday with Provincial Governors and Cabinet Ministry Secretaries, President Rajapaksa stressed that all public and private sector institutions must strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.

He directed that comprehensive plans to resume work in all institutions should be sent to health authorities.

President Rajapaksa also said maintaining social distancing and following guidelines outlined by the Health Ministry was critical in both public and staff transportation services to avoid the possible spread of COVID-19.

Given the situation, the President stressed that time of work should not be considered, and depending on the structure of the institution, to introduce shift-based work, noting that a limited number of employees should not disrupt the operations of the workplace.

Pointing out that the work-from-home system has performed beyond expectations in some sectors in the economy, President Rajapaksa has encouraged both public and private sector institutions to further strengthen the mechanism and formalise those services.

The way forward for the Departments for Registrations of Persons, Immigration and Emigration as well as Registration of Motor Vehicles were also discussed.

Reopening of rural schools ensured with water, sanitary facilities, and other health measures recommended by Zonal Education Directors were also discussed.

It was highlighted that restoration work of electricity, water, irrigation, tanks and buildings has already begun, while noting that this work can be extended to districts opening on 11 May. These will be conducted under regular inspections by Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and officials of respective organisations.

President Rajapaksa also directed to be vigilant on the possible spread of rat fever and dengue.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Presidential Task Force Chair Basil Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President. Dr. P. B. Jayasundera and Senior Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga were also present at the meeting.