Updates on curfew in Sri Lanka
MEASURES
- On 25 April, it was announced that the curfew imposed in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam districts will be extended until 5am on 4 May, instead of 27 April. The curfew for the other areas will be lifted at 5am on 28 April and reimposed at 8pm on the same day.
- People are only allowed to leave their homes to purchase essential items, including food and medicines during the curfew. In addition, people are only allowed to leave their homes on certain days in a week based on the last digit of their National Identity Cards.
IMPACT ON FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
- Due to restriction of movement, most of the food companies are operating with limited capacity. The transportation of agricultural produce is also being affected during the curfew.
- The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has set up an ad-hoc national agenda committee to propose to the governments about the policies and strategies to overcome the issues during the curfew. As part of the CCC, the Food and Beverage Sub-Committee has also proposed some measures to enhance food security during this critical period by ensuring smooth food supply and importations (raw materials and food packaging).
FIA RECOMMENDATIONS/ACTIONS
- FIA continues to work closely with the Food and Beverage Sub-Committee of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to monitor the progress of development of the curfew situation in Sri Lanka