• The government decided not to ease the restrictions on May 31 and June 4 because of irresponsible public behaviour witnessed on May 25 

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

The ongoing travel restrictions will continue until June 7 without relaxation of them on May 31 and June 4, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said yesterday.    

He said the decision was taken during a meeting held with the President and the COVID-19 task force yesterday morning.   

Earlier, the Government said travel restrictions will be relaxed on May 31 and June 4 again to allow people to purchase essentials.   

However, the government decided not to ease the restrictions on May 31 and June 4 because of irresponsible public behaviour witnessed on May 25 when restrictions were relaxed.   

General Silva said that essential items will be delivered through the coordination with divisional secretariats.   Accordingly, Divisional Secretaries had been instructed to organise mobile delivery services to bring essential food items to the homes of the people during the period of travel restrictions.   

Meanwhile, it was also decided to distribute Rs. 5,000 among the low-income families.   The Rs. 5,000 allowance will be distributed from 02 June to Samurdhi recipients, those who are already receiving Govt allowances, low income earners and those who have lost their incomes due to the Covid-19 pandemic.