In view of the prevailing situation concerning coronavirus, the International Hindu Federation has requested its devotees to celebrate the Diwali Festival in the comfort of their homes.

The health authorities point out that workers employed in and around Colombo and its suburbs where the virus is most prevalent, returning to estate towns to celebrate the Diwali festival set to be held on 14 November put the public at risk.

Accordingly, the health authorities have officially submitted a letter to the Central Province Governor requesting him to restrict the public allowed to visit estate towns during the festival season.

International Hindu Federation General Secretary, Ramachandran Kurukkal Babu Sharma calling on those who are planning to return to estate towns for the festival, has requested them to engage in religious observances from where they are as it is impractical to undergo a 14-day quarantine period at the homes.