SRI LANKA - FIA Covid 19

1
MAY

Updates on curfew in Sri Lanka

Order to return to normalcy in civilian life and to revive economy, the government announced that the resumption of businesses and private sector activities will begin from 11 May 2020. The resumption of operation shall strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the relevant authorities. Public will still refrain from unnecessary trips and gatherings, except travelling for basic necessities and work.

For curfew, it will be effective for districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara,and Puttalam until further notice. For the rest of the districts, the curfew will be relaxed on 6 May and, reimposed on the same day until 5.00am on 11 May 2020.

Following the announcement of resumption, the private sector entities are requested to operate at 10.00am daily. The head of organisation will decide the number of employees to come to work. In addition, in terms of transportation, buses belonging to Sri Lanka Transport Board and railway carriages will only provide services for employees who are reporting for work.

The government of Sri Lanka has notified temporary suspension of import of commodities from 16 April to 15 July, 2020. The commodities include a range of food and agriculture commodities.

25
APR

Updates on curfew in Sri Lanka

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).

18
APR

Updates on curfew in Sri Lanka

Government has decided to relax the curfew imposed to restore the normalcy in the civilian life. Lifting and imposing curfew at different districts and Police Division level within the district will be implemented according to the government’s notice. In those areas where the curfew is in force, the main roads can be used only for the purpose of providing essential services.

It was announced that the curfew imposed in the Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam districts will be extended until 5am on 27 April, instead of 22 April.

Government announced to close down all the Liquor stores until further notice.