Inter-Province Travel Ban ends on 31st; Authorities to discuss making vaccination card mandatory

Sri Lanka will lift its Inter-Province Travel Restrictions at 4:00 AM on the 31st of October 2021, said the Presidential Secretariat on Friday (29).

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had told the COVID-19 Prevention Committee that the decision was reached to ensure that normal life can carry on without any interruption, whilst adapting to the new normal.

The decisions taken at the COVID-19 Prevention Committee are as follows:

1. It was decided to take the necessary measures to re-open schools for G. C. E. Ordinary Level & G. C. E. Advanced Level students.

2. It was also decided to explore the possibility of making it mandatory to possess the Vaccination Card when visiting public places, stores as well as restaurants.

3. The COVID-19 committee was informed that Attorney General’s advice was sought with regard to taking legal action against those who refuse to obtain the vaccine. Health Officials had noted that provisions to this effect exist within the COVID-19 regulations.

In addition, the President had instructed officials to use mobile vaccination units to continue with the rural vaccination program in order to achieve 100% success in the country’s vaccination drive.

The President also instructed the Inspector General of Police to immediately investigate all organized groups including social media that attempt to incite fear among the public with regard to the vaccination against COVID-19.

Further, the matter of permitting spectators for international sports events that would take place in the country in the future was discussed at length at the COVID-19 Prevention Committee meeting, said the PMD.