Govt. assures essential supplies despite travel restrictions

The Government yesterday assured it would reduce the inconvenience to the public in terms of essential purchases despite the travel restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando told a media briefing yesterday that pharmacies would remain open whilst stores supplying food would continue to work.

They said the Government had implemented mobile delivery services so that essentials could be sourced directly by consumers. “Approvals will be given by respective District Secretaries for this service,” they added. 

Gunawardena also said that the Economic Centres would be kept open on 24 and 25 May to enable wholesale trading of vegetables and other essentials.

DIG Ajith Rohana confirmed that essential services, construction workers and people going to hospitals would not face travel restrictions. “You can visit the hospital closest to you or the closest pharmacy depending on the address you have on your National ID card,” he added.

He also appealed to essential service drivers to adhere to road rules as it was a pressing issue during the recent travel restrictions. 

“Cooperate with the Police if stopped at road blocks and produce necessary identification documentation during the traffic restrictions,” he added.