Curfew extended as corona cases increase, passing 1,000 mark

Indian HC, Brandix deny Indian workers caused outbreak

The Police headquarters yesterday (7) extended the curfew imposed in Divulapitiya, Minuwangoda, Veyangoda and Gampaha to curb the resurgence of the corona pandemic to several other police areas as the authorities stepped up efforts to track down those Brandix apparel workers continuing to avoid quarantine measures.

Since the detection of the fresh community outbreak, a couple days ago 1,022 Brandix workers have tested positive. On Tuesday alone over 700 tested positive.

The police brought Ganemulla, Kiridiwela, Dompe, Malwathuhiripitiya, Mirigama, Nittambuwa, Pugoda, Weeragula, Weliweriya, Pallewala, Yakkala, Kandana, Ja–ela and Seeduwa under curfew.

The Island

 raised growing accusations that Indian workers employed by Brandix at its Minuwangoda manufacturing facility caused the crisis with the Indian High Commission in Colombo. 

The Island 

asked whether the IHC had been aware of the number of Indian workers at Minuwangoda and whether they had arrived there this year. The IHC spokesperson said: “As far as our understanding goes all international arrivals are subjected to health protocols and procedures stipulated by the government of Sri Lanka in view of the covid-19 pandemic. Any question in this regard may be directed to concerned authorities.”

A top Brandix spokesperson told The Island that Indian workers hadn’t been brought to their Minuwangoda facility or any other in Sri Lanka. There was absolutely no basis for that accusation, the spokesperson said. According to the official, some Sri Lankans who had been working in Brandix facility in India had been brought back some time back and they had been subjected to all protocols and procedures in place.

Health Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi and police spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana urged the public to cooperate with the government to bring the situation under control.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa cancelled a scheduled meeting with editors of national newspapers and other senior representatives of print and electronic media scheduled for 10.30 am yesterday as the government stepped up efforts to bring the situation under control.

An elderly COVID-19 patient receiving treatment at the Ragama hospital walked out unnoticed. He was later found. (SF)