The Sri Lankan government has declared Monday, March 16 as a public holiday following the rapid rise of coronavirus positive cases in the country.
Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon said the decision was taken following the spread of the virus aiming to help government institutions to control the spread of the disease more effectively.
The Minister also said that he is prepared to extend the holiday if necessary.
Following are the other measures taken by the government to keep the virus at bay.
All travel from eight European countries -France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden and Austria banned from 15th March for two (2) weeks.
Consular services provided by overseas Sri Lankan missions in Italy, Iran, South Korea, France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden and Austria.
Dehiwala Zoo, other zoological & botanical gardens and National Parks under Wildlife Department will be closed for 2 weeks from March 15.
All film halls and Theaters under the National Film Corporation have suspended screening films until further notice.
A special health program implemented at Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy to sanitize faces and hands of foreign tourist and devotees.
Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith requests all churches to refrain from conducting Sunday & other Mass till end of March.
All major events and public gatherings banned for two weeks.
Foreign employment training programs temporarily suspended from March 13-31.
All common public transport will be disinfected from March 14 with the assistance of security forces.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
