Public movement based on ID cards only from 11 May

• Attempting to clarify earlier statements, Govt. says system of travel based on last digit of ID card limited to curfew areas

The Government yesterday clarified that the public only needs to resort to the system of stepping out according to the last digit of the identity card from 11 May in areas where the curfew is still in effect. 

The President’s Media Division (PMD) releasing a statement sought to clear up the confusion created by multiple notifications earlier. It reiterated that abiding by the last digit of the ID card was unnecessary in areas where curfew has already been lifted. 

“The Government expects the public will refrain from gathering unnecessarily by following above guidelines even when the curfew is lifted. Revival of the economy and the resumption of civilian life will take place while curfew regulations are effective and controlling unnecessary congregation of people as a measure to prevent the spread of the disease is a prime objective of this mechanism,” the statement said. 

Curfew will be effective in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam until further notice. In the rest of the districts curfew has been on from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. from yesterday till tomorrow. Curfew which will be re-imposed in these districts at 8 p.m. tomorrow and will be in force till 5 a.m. next Monday, 11 May.

While curfew is still in force, civilian life in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam will resume from next Monday.

Although this plan was scheduled to be implemented from yesterday due to four holidays falling this week, it was extended till next Monday.

Both public and private sector entities in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam should recommence their work from next Monday. Heads of each institute have already had been instructed to work out a plan based on their requirements. Heads of each entity should ensure strict adherence to the prescribed health guidelines issued to control the spread of COVID-19 while carrying out their operations.

The private sector entities are requested to open for work at 10 a.m. daily. The responsibility to decide who should come to office work and their number lies with the head of the each organisation. Buses belonging to Sri Lanka Transport Board and railway carriages can only transport employees of both public and private sectors who are reporting for work.

“People except those who are essentially required to report to work are requested to remain in their homes as a measure to control the disease. People are allowed to leave their homes only to purchase essential items such as food and medicines,” the PMD statement said.