Sri Lanka extends virus lockdown through May 11
Sri Lanka on Friday extended its anti-virus lockdown for a second time, through May 11, as health authorities warned that the crisis was not yet under control in the island nation.
The government also said that for the first time ever, the country’s most important Buddhist festival will go on next week under a nationwide curfew, with no public gatherings allowed.
“We cannot say that the spread of the virus is 100 percent under control,” Sri Lanka’s Director General of Health, Anil Jasinghe, said in a statement.
“At the same time, the control of the virus is not out of our hand either.”
The two-day holiday for the Vesak festival — commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha — begins Thursday.
Jasinghe said social distancing measures and strict health guidelines on washing hands and wearing masks in public places will have to be observed during and after the event.
Large crowds usually flood the streets to view huge lanterns and coloured lights put up to celebrate Vesak across the nation of 21 million people.
Sri Lanka has been under lockdown measures since March 20. The first extension moved the end date from April 27 to May 4.
The South Asian country has officially recorded 690 infections and seven deaths.
The biggest virus hotspot was at a navy camp near Colombo where 4,000 personnel and their families have been placed under quarantine after more than 250 sailors tested positive.
(AFP)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka launches national survey on toque macaque February 5, 2025
- Sri Lankan MPs’ meal price jumps over four times from Rs. 450 to Rs. 2,000 February 5, 2025
- Sri Lanka to cut water tariffs by up to 30% February 5, 2025
- Four Sri Lankan Police officers suspended over alleged torture February 5, 2025
- SLPA resolves container congestion – enhances port operations February 4, 2025
Bad news for us people living in Wattala we have been boxed infor. over 6weeks with no end in sight I a68 year old am beginning to get anxiety attacks
You and your Wattala bitc*ing! I know hundreds of 20-30 age young folks – who are normally into clubbing/partying/socializing who are taking these lockdowns with an attitude that “we don’t like them, but they are for our good” whereas you, at age 68, appears to be having a strange kind of an itch (known in Sinhala as “kasilla”). Obviously you not being into clubbing (I think :), I suggest you should use this time to elevate your spirituality (with prayer/meditation) as that will do well to improve your intellect (which appears to be in such need badly).
I am 89 years old I am going crazy with this illegal curfew why do not the opposition parties go to Courts against such illegal action
Wow, “illegal curfew” ? Looks like you have already gone crazy, so go get your head examined.
I suggest you elderly cocks/hens stop complaining here and be glad that these COVID-19 preventive curfews are likely what have kept you alive so far. You are ignorant – because you show you have no idea how easy it is for the ‘elderly’ (over age 60) to catch COVID-19 and die from it. Instead of complaining, just take the trouble to look at the world stats of deaths today and see how fortunate you are to live in Sri Lanka and how fortunate you are today to be alive being elderly.
Now if you are just anti-SL skunks and/or just opposition fakes here pretending to be ‘elderly’ just score propaganda points (which I have seen some strongly suspect of you here), then I say to you just f-off! LMAO!
I am 89 year old I am going crazy with this illegal curfew being extended without a declaration of emergency and the very top of this government will have to pay dearly for this Now the top ministers are appearing in public without face mask may be they are taking quinine if they deny this they should be requested to voluntarily give their blood to see whether there are any signs of quinine in their blood
An MP who was arrested and remanded for violating the curfew was released by the Magistrate when the MP’s lawyer informed the Court that the ‘Curfew’ is illegal.
No gazette has been published declaring curfew.
The Covid-19 numbers are suspect. 50% of tests are reserved for politicians, officers, staff and security who come into contact with the Great Leaders.
The country is so broke that it does not have money to buy even body bags; the country requested free issue from ICRC.
Engr MV Perera and Kitty V have made valid points; the population is nearing starvation. No wonder GOSL is looking for free body bags in large numbers.