Authorities were forced to lock down the Atalugama area in Bandaragama and Dharga Town ordering the residents to self-isolate after finding persons contracted novel coronavirus from those areas. Upon being notified of people in the area using the Bolgoda River and Bentara River to travel to nearby villages, the Navy launched boat patrols in those rivers with effect from 06th April 2020.
Even if the Atalugama area in Bandaragama and Dharga Town were locked down ordering the residents to self-isolate after finding persons contracted novel coronavirus, some people in those areas were reported to have crossed the Bolgoda River and Bentara River with the intention of moving to nearby villages, violating the government’s measures which were in place to prevent the spread of the virus to other areas. It is in this backdrop, the Navy launched boat patrols in those rivers, as per the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva.
Further, the Navy also stands ready to conduct similar patrols and operations in other parts of the country for the safety of general public, as and when its presence is needed in this hour of need.
