(UTV|COLOMBO) – 224 persons who arrived in the country from Italy and South Korea, have been directed to the temporary quarantine facility set up at the Batticaloa Campus.
Our airport correspondent said 43 passengers who landed at the Bandaranaike International Airport from Italy last evening were also directed to the Batticaloa Campus.
A group of Lankans are due to arrive in the island from South Korea and Italy today as well.
Meanwhile, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva has requested Sri Lankans to corporate with authorities in quarantine efforts.
He appealed to those under quarantine to fully support measures considering it a national requirement, irrespective of minor shortfalls or lapses in the implementation of the 14-day long quarantine process.
The Army Commander said the government hoped to take the step to prevent the coronavirus spreading to the people living in Sri Lanka, adding that officials do not accept that those arriving in the country at present have contracted the virus.
He stressed however steps are being taken to quarantine passengers in order to protect the public.
The Army Commander claimed while protests took place in the past against people being brought into the areas where quarantine centres are located, when the matter was explained to protesters they accepted it and called off the protest.
He added on some occasions when buses were requested to transport the passengers in the morning, some individuals were unwilling to do so, stating however that by evening the situation came to an end.
The Army Commander noted the quarantine centres were established in two days and there may be shortcomings, adding however that authorities are working to provide maximum facilities.
He said he believes the public and inbound passengers will understand the current situation and work with authorities.