A public protest was launched today by the residents of Hendala against the government's decision to convert the Hendala Leprosy Hospital into a quarantine facility.

Reportedly, these residents had been engaged in the protest since 6.00 am this morning (06). On Wednesday (4) , Health Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe  announced that Hendala Leprosy Hospital will be converted into a quarantine facility to quarantine passengers from Italy, Iran and South Korea. The passengers will be quarantined for a period of 14 days, Jasinghe said.