Maradana, Fort, Pettah, Slave Island and Dam street police divisions of the Colombo district were declared as isolated areas from 5.00am this morning (16).

In addition, the Kelaniya police division of the Gampaha district was also declared as an isolated area from 5.00 am onwards today, and accordingly, 24 police divisions in the country have been declared as isolated areas.

Further, the travel ban imposed the western province was lifted from midnight yesterday.

Meanwhile, the government information department noted that factories that are under the BOI and the export development board as well as judiciary activities will be permitted to function in areas declared as isolation areas from today.

Further, buses and trains are to operate as usual today.

The Sri Lanka transport board chairman, Kingsley Ranawaka noted that SLTB buses will commence operations as per usual from midnight yesterday.

Further, the department of railways noted that commencement of train operations began at 5.00 am today.

The superintendent of travel, for the department of railways, Ranjith Pathmalal noted that plans have been made to ensure 80 train journeys are operational including office trains.

Police noted that private buses will also operate today as usual and no public transportation service should stop at isolated areas.

Police media spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana noted that currently a special safety plan has been put in place in and around the Fort bus and railway stations.