News
Despite lockdown, activity unabated in biggest province
Although only essential services, the apparel industry, the agricultural sector and pharmacies are allowed to operate during the lockdown, a large number of vehicles are seen on Colombo roads. In some areas shops with shutters partially open sell items to customers. Pic by Eshan Fernando
The lockdown triggered by a surge in coronavirus deaths and infections since April, has only largely applied to public transport, daily wage earners and the people, while thousands moved around in Colombo in vehicles.
Movement restrictions have now been extended until September 6.
Only essential services, the apparel industry, agricultural sector and pharmacies are allowed to operate during the lockdown. However, on Negombo Road, Orugodawatte, Borella, Rajagiriya, Boralesgamuwa, Nugegoda, Battaramulla, and Dehiwala, private vehicles were aplenty.
People also rushed to grocery stores to buy essentials.
Behind closed doors, businesses ranging from restaurants and food outlets, supermarket chains, groceries, mobile phone shops, and stationery shops continued to operate. Delivery activity by motorbike riders, was visible in the city of Colombo and the suburbs.
“Many vehicles on the roads during a curfew is not a good sign. The curfew was imposed to control the spread of a pandemic. Transport is a derived demand and there is always an end activity involving public meetings or gatherings. People might feel safe inside a private vehicle, but they will be exposed at some point,” said Dr. T. Sivakumar, senior lecturer at Moratuwa University’s Department of Transport and Logistics Management.
He said there will be those misusing passes and travelling knowing the fact the roads are considerably more empty than on other days.
According to police media, 13 checkpoints are operating on the Western Province border. This week, over 2,300 vehicles and 4,200 people entering the Western Province have been checked by police.
The Borella police this week arrested three suspected of printing and selling fake essential services permits and possessing the forged stamp of Colombo Divisional Secretariat in Dam Street. They seized a computer, scanner, printer, fake rubber stamps and a number of forged documents.
This week, more than 2,500 people have been arrested by police for violating quarantine rules.