According to the Minister, those who violate quarantine guidelines could be fined upto Rs.10,000 or arrested without a warrant and be remanded upto six months.

The Minister further stated that the gazette notification is scheduled to be issued within next two days.

“The government is taking various decisions to ensure the health and safety of the public. Accordingly, we have decided to issue a gazette notification within next two days enabling the authorities to take legal action against those who do not adhere to the health regulations in the areas announced by the Director General of Health Services as a disease affected area,” said the Minister.

She also added that the Legal Draftsman’s office has been informed regarding the preparation of the gazette and the Minister is expecting that the draft of the gazette will be submitted to her today (12). And also she added that the gazette could be published tomorrow(13).

According to the Minister, COVID-19 health regulations such as wearing face masks, maintaining a one-meter distance at crowded places, and the responsibility of checking the temperature or fever when entering any place would be gazetted as laws through the issuance of the gazette.

“The public support is the greatest strength that we possess in preventing the spread of COVID-19 within the community. The immense support given by the public during the last time controlled the spread of COVID-19 within the country. We expect the same support from the public within this period too” the Minister added.

Meanwhile, Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana yesterday said that strict legal action would be taken against anyone who violates the quarantine law after the issuance of the gazette notification.

DIG Ajith Rohana also said that 101 persons have been arrested and 27 vehicles taken into police custody as at yesterday for violating curfew laws. “Shops and vendors who provide essential services and pharmacies are allowed to be kept open today (12) as well, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.” he also added.