Security forces instructed to foil mass gatherings in the north

• Quarantine law fully enforced to prevent people from crossing district borders

In a bid to control the spread of coronavirus, the Defence Ministry has instructed the security forces in the north to take necessary action to prevent gatherings and meetings from taking place in Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. 

“With information reaching the ministry that several groups have planned to gather individuals to commemorate the ‘Mullivaikkal Day’ ignoring advices given by provincial health authorities, the ministry instructed security forces commanders in the north to strictly follow provisions in the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance No.03 of 1897 amended by extraordinary gazette No.2167/18,” the ministry said. 

Since some coronavirus infected individuals were reported in the north after their association with a Switzerland-based Christian Pastor who tested positive for coronavirus – who conducted a service at the Philadelphia  Church in Ariyalai, Nallur – the quarantine law was fully enforced to prevent people from crossing district borders and holding mass gatherings. 

Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne has instructed the security forces and police to follow the quarantine law to contain the spread of coronavirus in the north. 

Meanwhile, the attempt made by politicians M.K. Sivajilingam and C.V. Vigneswaran as well as Provincial Councillor Nadarasa Vindan to cross the Sangupiddy roadblock was foiled as they failed to produce valid essential services passes required to cross district boundaries. 

“Only those providing essential services are allowed to cross the Sangupiddy roadblock. The three politicians concerned did not have any pass. They are not required to engage in essential services. They were turned back after explaining the restrictions imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. Some people who came in numbers were also sent back as they attempted to cross district borders. Anyone who wishes to commemorate their loved ones who died in the 30-year-long war could remember them at their homes,” Security Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Ruwan Wanigasooriya said.

• Anyone who wishes to commemorate their loved ones who died in the 30-year-long war could remember them at their homes
• Attempt made by Sivajilingam, Vigneswaran, Nadarasa to cross Sangupiddy roadblock foiled