Temple Trees, the Prime Minister’s Official Residence, said it was not under a lockdown and it continues to function as per the health guidelines. News reports said staff members at Temple Trees have been asked not to report to work due to concerns of COVID-19 spread. Wijayananda Herath, the Media and Communications Director to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, said the reports were false. “Temple Trees is functioning with a limited staff as per the guidelines issued for all institutions by health authorities. The essential services also continue. There is no lockdown,” he said.