He said this addressing the weekly Cabinet briefing held at the Government Information Department yesterday (20). Therefore, the minister noted that passes for the smooth functioning of essential services could be obtained by the police, urging the people to stay indoors and assist the government in bringing this situation under control through self-quarantine.

All wholesale shops were open until around 2.00 pm yesterday in Pettah and the security forces personnel carried out a disinfection programme thereafter. The minister noted that all shops will reopen on Monday from 6.00 am.

The Minister also noted that at a time when the whole world is in an economic crisis, the government has taken steps to limit the import of other items giving priority to essential
commodities.He said this decision was taken in order to minimise the devaluation of the rupee.

The Director General of the Government Information Department Nalaka Kaluwewa also participated in this media briefing.