Inter-provincial travel restrictions Will be lifted after 4.00 am on Oct 31

• Health and education authorities directed to look into the possibility of commencing academic activities for first-year universities students
• Principals should be made aware of decisions and the process of starting schools
• Health recommendations issued to start GCE O/L and A/L classes in all schools

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that inter-provincial travel would be lifted at 4.00 am on October 31 to enable public life under ‘new normal’ situation.

According to a statement from the President’s Media Division (PMD), such decisions were taken at the meeting of the Special Committee on COVID-19 Control which was held virtually yesterday. 

During this meeting, it was revealed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the education of school children has been severely disrupted and considering this situation already the health recommendations have been issued to start the G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level classes in all schools. 

The President pointed out that the principals should be made aware of this decision and the process of starting schools should be implemented expeditiously. 

The President also directed the health and education authorities to expeditiously look into the possibility of commencing academic activities for the first-year students of the universities.

It was also decided to immediately look into the possibility of making the vaccination card compulsory when entering public places, including shops and restaurants.

Health officials stated that there are legal provisions under the COVID-19 related law to enforce it against those who decline to get the vaccine, and the health officials further said that they have sought the Attorney General’s advice in this regard.

The President also scrutinised the progress of the vaccination programme implemented for the school children.

• It was also decided to immediately look into the possibility of making the vaccination card compulsory when entering public places, including shops and restaurants