By: ManjuChandran
The number of COVID-19 infections in Sri Lanka touched 100 as the government identified three districts, including Colombo, as high-risk areas.
Four more patients tested positive on Tuesday (24) even as the country-wide curfew continued.
Large crowds were reportedly seen at shops and supermarkets in Colombo when the government relaxed restrictions this morning, causing much worry to health officials.
The curfew in Colombo and adjoining districts of Gampaha and Kalutara will continue until further notice.
The government instructed wholesale dealers to home-deliver essential consumer goods to households. Providing essential consumer goods such as food, medicine, gas and other services will start from Wednesday, and a special task force was set up for the purpose.
The government urged people to stay at home, and at least 2,200 persons were arrested for curfew violations over the past four days.
About 3,500 people were quarantined, and at least 22,000 people were under self-quarantine.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa chaired an all-party meeting to discuss the situation. Opposition parties wanted the parliament reconvened, but no decision was taken.
The Sri Lankan parliament had been dissolved early this month in view of general elections next month, which was postponed due to the pandemic.
