Travel restrictions extended until 07 June as repeatedly demanded by experts

The ongoing travel restrictions have been extended till June 7, according to Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando. Addressing the media at the Department of Government Information, Colombo, he said the government had taken that decision in keeping with expert advice to contain the spread of the pandemic.

When restrictions are temporarily lifted today only one person per family could leave home to purchase essential items.

The restrictions would also be relaxed on May 31 and June 4 for the public to purchase essential items.

The Minister said that vehicular movements would also continue to be restricted even when restrictions are eased temporarily.

Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said that the travel ban would be relaxed at 4am today and reimposed at 11pm. He added the restrictions would be relaxed again at 4am on May 31 and reimposed at 11pm. They would be relaxed again at 4am on June 4 and reimposed at 11pm on the same day and would be in force till June 7.

General Silva said that only those engaged in providing essential services would be permitted to travel when the travel ban was relaxed and only one person from each family would be permitted to leave home to purchase essential items.

The Army Commander said that only shops selling essential items and some banks will be open.

Public transport would not be available during the travel restrictions.

General Silva said that delivery services would be permitted to operate during the travel ban.

The travel ban had been extended on recommendations made by medical experts and others, he said.

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana also addressed the press.