Tri Service Roadblocks Put up to Restrict Travel Movements Between Provinces

Troops of the Army, Navy and Air Force on the instructions of the Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army and Head, National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), General Shavendra Silva have jointly enforced travel restrictions between provinces by putting up roadblocks where necessary while simultaneously supporting the Police.

Major General Sujeewa Senarath Yapa, Commander, Security Forces- West selecting the most necessary border-crossing points in the Western Province has accordingly placed roadblocks, and instructions have been issued to prevent or arrest vehicles trying to cross provinces in violation of travel restrictions that have come into effect. Vehicles trying to violate such restrictions and enter via by-roads, etc are to be taken into custody and delivered to the Police for onward actions.

At those roadblocks, those entering and exiting from one province to another are thoroughly checked and given permission, only if they fall within "essential services" category as specified by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 control. Those who have been summoned by their employers on the basis of service requirements, health workers, state employees and relevant others in essential services are thus permitted to travel between provinces.

Security Forces would peruse official identity cards, written documents inviting a person to report for duties, valid electronic documents or any other proof of eligibility to travel between provinces at those checkpoints.