Strict travel restrictions will be imposed from 11 pm to 4 am daily islandwide from tonight till May 31 to prevent a further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva told Daily Mirror.

The restriction, similar to an islandwide curfew, will prohibit people from leaving their homes and only those involved in essential services will be allowed to be on the roads. This includes food trucks transporting essential items and health workers.

All businesses including restaurants will have to close by 10 pm and their staff should be allowed to leave for their homes before the travel restriction comes into place by 11 pm.

"No one will be allowed to operate their establishment after 11 pm as no one will be allowed to leave their homes," Silva said. (JAMILA HUSAIN)