Govt. announces return to normalcy from 11 May

• Public and private sector instructed to put in place measures to resume daily activities from 11 May 
• All non-workers encouraged to remain home 
• Crowd gatherings to be prohibited 

The Government yesterday said while the curfew is in force in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam, the resumption of civilian life and State and private sector activities will begin from 11 May.

The President’s Media Office said to ensure the return to normalcy in civilian life and to revive the economy, including continuous provision of essential services in these districts, both public and private sector entities should resume their work from 11 May.

Heads of institutes have been advised to make necessary arrangements, taking into consideration the required number of employees to run their organisations. Head of each entity should ensure strict adherence to the guidelines issued by the Director General of Health Services and other health authorities to control the spread of COVID-19 while carrying out their operations.

The responsibility of deciding who should come to office and the number of staff required lies with the head of each State organisation, including departments, corporations, and boards.  The private sector entities are requested to open for work at 10 a.m. daily.

As a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the public have been asked to refrain from unnecessarily coming to roads and gathering at various other places. Buses belonging to the Sri Lanka Transport Board and railway carriages can only transport employees who are reporting for work.

“Civilians, except those who are essentially required to report to work, are requested to remain in their homes. People are allowed to leave their homes only to purchase essential items, such as food and medicines. COVID-19 prevention recommendations should strictly be followed at each instance. Curfew passes issued by the Police authorities are valid only if the driver and passengers wear facemasks,” the statement said.

Curfew in the country, except in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam, will only be effective from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily till Wednesday (6 May).

The curfew, which will be imposed at 8 p.m. on 6 May, will continue till 5 a.m. on 11 May.