Tri Service manned roadblocks restrict travel movements between Provinces

Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force have jointly enforced travel restrictions between provinces by manning roadblocks where necessary while simultaneously supporting the Police, Defense Ministry said.

The move is in place following the directions of the Head, National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva.

Accordingly, vehicles trying to violate such restrictions and enter via by-roads, etc are to be taken into custody and handed over to the Police for onward actions.

The Army sources said those entering and exiting from one province to another are checked at roadblocks and given permission, only if they fall within the "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, the Army said.