Sri Lanka Navy has taken 20 individuals into custody off Puttalam and Kochchikade coastal areas for going out to the sea during curfew hours.
In accordance with the government’s initiatives to arrest the spread of the coronavirus in the country, police curfew had been imposed in Puttalam and Kochchikade, Negombo Police Divisions from 2.30 p.m. on March 19.
Though the police curfew was in effect, 20 people were found violating the same and they were taken into naval custody accordingly, the navy said.
In the event of such a catastrophic situation in the country, the government is strictly enforcing the law on persons who have neglected their responsibilities as a citizen and have risked the lives of other people in the country, it said.
On receipt of information about a group of people fleeing from Puttalam to Mannar by sea, even disregarding the police curfew, a naval operation was carried out on Thursday.
Accordingly, the 20 persons including three children who were prepared to set off for Mannar by boats were held by Navy in Baththalangunduwa area.
Among the apprehended persons were 03 females and 03 girls as well.
Meanwhile, the apprehended persons were handed over to the Kalpitiya Police for onward legal action, the navy said.
