Police to release vehicles of curfew violators to agencies combating COVID-19

Police say they will release the vehicles of persons arrested for violating curfew for efforts related to curbing the spread of COVID-19 in the country. 

Accordingly, following legal advice, police will release the vehicles for the use of authorities engaged in efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and other officials, Police Spokesman SP Jaliya Senaratne stated. 

Police had 3751 vehicles used by curfew violators in their custody as at 12.00pm today (6). While curfew violators are released on bail, police are currently holding onto their vehicles until the situation returns to normal over fears they will again be used to violate curfew. 

However, SP Senaratne said keeping the vehicles parked at police stations has now caused difficulties. "We have rows of motorbikes and trishaws parked on the road outside some police stations. More are taken into custody each day. As such, after consulting legal advice, we have taken measures to release these vehicles for emergency services, essential services and others agencies who can use extra vehicles during this period," he said.