At least 52 people who had close contacts with the group from Suduwella in Ja-Ela who were avoiding quarantine orders, have been identified and sent to Oluvil Quarantine Centre by the Navy. The Navy on Friday conducted an intelligence operation to apprehend 28 persons who were avoiding quarantine orders while remaining in the village of Suduwella, Ja-Ela. Subsequently, this group of persons were sent to the SLN quarantine centre at Oluvil for proper quarantine process. Out of the 28 persons, six have been already tested positive for COVID-19. Accordingly, the naval intelligence in coordination with the Ja-Ela Police carried out a special operation in Ja-Ela and Makewita area on yesterday to identify more persons who had close links with the six COVID-19 patients and rest of the group members. During this operation, the Navy said it managed to identify a total of 52 persons from Ja-Ela (43) and Makewita (09) who had close contacts with the previous group. "In view of health concerns and safety of the residents in the area, this group will be sent to the Naval Quarantine Centre at Oluvil after a preliminary health check-up," the Navy said.