Curfew won’t be fully lifted: Police

 Curfew can be imposed to prevent Covid-19: AG

By Skandha Gunasekara

The announcement by the Police on Wednesday (29) that curfew passes issued till 30 April would be extended till 31 May was made as curfew may not be fully lifted next week, The Morning learnt.

Police Spokesman SP Jaliya Senaratne said the Police had decided to extend the validity period of curfew passes as it would be more efficient than the alternative.

“As it is highly unlikely that curfew would be fully lifted on Monday, we decided to extend the validity period of curfew passes till 31 May as it would be easier than extending it on a weekly basis. If curfew is lifted fully, then the passes would not be needed,” he said.

He went on to say that it was also safer and in accordance with health services guidelines.

“Extending the validity of the curfew passes this way is also better than having each person come to the Police station to extend it. This way, social distancing is maintained as well.”

However, health authorities and the Police are to evaluate the situation in the country with regard to Covid-19 this weekend before making a final decision on lifting the islandwide curfew.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General yesterday (30) informed the Police that curfew could be imposed in order to
prevent the spread of Covid-19.