Govt extends ‘work from home’ period until April 20

The system of “Work from Home Period”, introduced by the government as a measure of controlling of COVID–19 outbreak, for employees of both public and private sectors has now been extended until April 20, 2020.

The President’s Media Division issuing a statement announced that schools will re-open for the 2nd term on May 11th.

Distance learning facilities will be provided to students to the extent possible, during the time schools remain closed.

The curfew currently in force in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara,  Puttalam, Kandy and Jaffna which have been identified as High Risk Zones will continue until further notice.

In all other districts, curfew has been extended till 6.00am on Thursday, the 16th April. Curfew in these areas will be lifted at 6.00 am on Thursday, the 16th April and will be re-imposed at 4.00 pm on the same day.

“The sole purpose of these measures including imposing curfew is to ensure the well-being of the people of this country in this critical situation.” Hence, the Government requests the public to bear the inconveniences caused as a result of ongoing curfew in a responsible manner.

Also, the Government emphasizes to purchase only the most essential items and to avoid unnecessary travelling. The Government further requests to limit the traditions and interactions during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year only to the members of the family.

The government said it has put in place a mechanism to continuously supply essential food and other goods enabling the public to purchase them while at homes, during curfew hours.

Those who are engaged in paddy farming and fishing and cultivation of small tea holdings and export crops in any district are permitted to carry out their activities.

Traveling to and from all districts has been completely prohibited except for the purpose of providing essential services.

Those who misuse regulations introduced with the prime objective of ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of essential services will severely be dealt with according to the law, the statement warned.

The villages which have been declared isolated areas in any district will remain in the same category.  No one will be allowed to enter or leave from these areas until further notice.