Team Roar
This is a live blog about the latest COVID-19 to emerge in Sri Lanka, some two months after the last community transmission was successfully managed.
Monday, December 7
22:20 Two COVID19 deaths have been reported taking the death toll to 142: the deceased are both males and are aged 62 and 77.
Sunday, December 6
12:08 Government announces curfew updates: In the Colombo district, isoltation imposed on the Bloemendhal police division and the Wijayapura GN division in the Wellampitiya police division will be lifted at 5 AM tomorrow (Dec. 7). Isolation will, however, continue in the Modara, Kotahena, Grandpass, Wolfhendhal, Dam Street, Keselwatte, Maligawatte, Dematagoda and Maradana police divisions, and the Wekanda GN division of the Slave Island police division, the Wanathamulla GN division of the Borella police division, Salamulla GN division and the Laksanda Sevana Housing Scheme in the Wellampitiya police division, the Randiya Uyana Housing Scheme and South of Ferguson Road in the Mattakkuliya police division.
In addition to these, the Hunupitiya GN division in the Slave Island police division, 60-watte in the Cinnamon Gardens police division and Kokila Road in the Wellawatte police division will be isolated from 5 AM tomorrow (Dec. 7).
In the Gampaha district, the isolation imposed on the Wattala police division, with the exception of the Kerawalapitiya, Hekkiththa, Kurunduhena, Everiwatte and Welikadamulla GN divisions, will be lifted at 5 AM tomorrow (Dec. 7). The isolation imposed on the Peliyagoda police division, with the exception of the Peliyagoda, Peliyagoda Gangabada, Meegahawatte and Pattiya-North GN divisions will also be lifted at the same time, as will the isolation imposed on the Keleniya police division. Meanwhile, isolation will be imposed on the Welegoda North GN division in the Kiribathgoda police division with effect 5 AM tomorrow (Dec. 7).
22: 33 Three new COVID19 deaths have been reported, bringing total deaths in Sri Lanka now to 140. The deceased are all males, aged 71, 80 and 98 and are residents of Kotte, Kahathuduwa and Maggona.
Saturday, December 5
22:02 Seven COVID19 deaths have been reported today. The deceased are aged 3 males and 4 females, aged 53, 56, 62, 66, 81, 84, 91 and from Bandaragama (2), Dematagoda, Colombo 13, Wellampitiya and two prison inmates.
Friday, December 4
22:54 A 72-year-old male from Piliyandala has passed away as from COVID19 at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH).
Thursday, December 3
22:10 Two new COVID19 deaths have been reported, bringing total deaths in Sri Lanka now to 124. The deceased are a male and female, aged 66 and 67, from Chilaw and Colombo 13.
Wednesday, December 2
23:29 Two COVID19 deaths reported: The deceased are a male and female, aged 81 and 72, and are residents of Galaha and Atalugama.
Tuesday, December 1
21:37 The Government appoints Dr Sudharshini Fernandopulle as state minister of Primary Health Services, Pandemics and COVID19 Prevention.
Monday, November 30
18:58 Government announced that the Akkaraipattu police area in the Eastern Province has been declared a health high-risk zone, with immediate effect.
Sunday, November 29
07:00 The government announces that isolation will be lifted in the Mattakkuliya, Foreshore and Pettah police divisions at 5 AM tomorrow, but isolation on Modara, Bloemendhal, Kotahena, Grandpass, Wolfendhal, Dam Street, Keselwatte, Maligawatte, Dematagoda and Maradana police divisions, as well as the Wekanda GN division in the Slave Island police area and the Wanathamulla GN division in the Borella police area will continue. Meanwhile, isolation will be imposed on the the Randiya Uyana Housing Scheme and the South of Ferguson Road in the Mattakkuliya police area and the Laksanda Sevana Housing Scheme, the Salamul and Wijayapura GN divisions in the Wellampitiya police divisons from 5 AM tomorrow (30).
Saturday, November 28
22:30 Two COVID19 deaths have been reported. The deceased are a male and a female, aged 76 and 96 from Colombo 2 and Colombo 8.
Friday, November 27
23:01 Eight new COVID19 deaths have been reported, taking total deaths in Sri Lanka over the 100 mark to 107. Details here.
Thursday, November 26
23:16 Three new COVID19 deaths have been reported. The deceased are aged 73, 80 and 87 and are from the areas of Colombo 4, Colombo 8 and Peliyagoda.
Wednesday, November 25
19:23 Atalugama East, Epitamulla and Kolamadiriya GN divisions in the Bandaragama police area of the Kalutara district and Bulugahathenna and Thelambugahawatte GN divisions in the Alawathugoda police area of the Kandy district have been declared isolated with immediate effect. Meanwhile, isolation that was imposed on the Kirimanthuduwa GN division in the Bandaragama police area has been lifted with immediate effect.
Tuesday, November 24
22:15 Four COVID19 deaths have been reported. The deceased are 42, 54, 73 and 74 and from the areas of Colombo 15, Bandaragama, Ginigathhena, Siyambalape North. Total deaths in Sri Lanka has now reached 94.
Monday, November 23
22:30 Three more COVID19 deaths have been reported. The deceased are aged 60 (2) and 86 and from Colombo 14, 15 and Heyyanthuwa. Total deaths in Sri Lanka is now 90.
Saturday, November 21
23:59 Nine COVID19 deaths reported; the deceased are aged 48, 57, 65, 69, 72, 75, 76 (2) and 89 and are residents of Colombo 9, 10, 13, Wellampitiya and Wellawatte.
Friday, November 20
10:44 One more COVID19 death reported. The deceased is a 70 year old from Colombo 2.
Thursday, November 19
12:18 Education Minister G. L. Peiris says all schools will open for the third term on November 23 — with the exception of schools in the isolated police areas and the Western Province.
00:45 Four COVID19 deaths have been reported. The deceased are 27, 59, 70 and 86 and are from the areas of Colombo 10, Colombo 15 and Kalutara. Total deaths in Sri Lanka is now 73.
Wednesday, November 18
21:00 Three COVID19 deaths have been reported; the deceased are aged 48, 70 and 74 and are from Colombo 12 and 13 and Kandana.
Tuesday, November 17
23:22 Five COVID19 deaths have been reported. The deceased are ages 65, 69, 71, 81, 82 and from the areas of Colombo 2, Colombo 9, Colombo 10, Kirulapone and Ratmalana. Total death in Sri Lanka are now 66.
Monday, November 16
21:38 Three more COVID19 deaths reported, bringing the total deaths in Sri Lanka to 61. Details here.
Sunday, November 15
13:23 The National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) says factories that come under the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Export Development Board (EDB) in the Maradana, Fort, Pettah, Slave Island, Dam Street and Keselwatte areas, as well as courts and other government essential services, will be allowed to operate under strict health guidelines and the supervisions of health authorities.
18:50 Five new COVID19 deaths have been reported, bringing the total to 58. The deceased are all males, aged 39, 54, 79 and two aged 88, residents of Colombo. More details here.
Saturday, November 14
22:43 Government issues update on isolation: travel outside the Western Province that was prohibited will be lifted at midnight tomorrow (Nov.15). In addition to the 12 police areas currently in lockdown in the Colombo district, the police areas of Maradana, Pettah, Fort, Dam Street and Slave Island will be isolated from 5 AM, Monday (Nov.16). The isolation imposed on police areas in the Gampaha district will be lifted from 5 AM tomorrow (Nov.15), with the exception of Negombo, Ja-Ela, Ragama, Kadawatha, Wattala and Peliyagoda. Isolation will be imposed on the Kelaniya police area at 5 AM, Monday (Nov.16). The isolation that was imposed on police areas and municipal limits in Kurunegala and Kalutara will be lifted at 5 AM tomorrow (Nov.15).
Friday, November 13
12.15 The Sri Lanka Army deploys drones and helicopters to surveil areas under lockdown and ensure quarantine laws are being adhered to. Fifteen people are arrested today.
19:28 Five COVID19 deaths have been reported. The deceased are four males and a female, aged 64, 68, 69, 78 and 83, residents of Colombo and Puttalam. More details here.
Thursday, November 12
16:51 Two more COVID19 deaths have been reported. Both the deceased are male — one 54, the other 45. Residents of Colombo 12 and Meegoda.
Wednesday, November 11
14:37 The 42nd COVID19 death has been recorded. The deceased is an 80-year-old male, resident of Panadura, who had died on admission to hospital of a cardiac arrest precipitated by COVID19.
17:10 Two more COVID19 deaths have been reported: A 40-year-old male and a 45-year old male, residents of Colombo 11 and Kelaniya. Both died of cardiac arrests caused by COVID19. Death toll now 44.
19:53 Given the increasing numbers of COVID19 cases, the government has decided that no one will be permitted to leave the Western Province as of midnight tonight, until midnight, November 15.
20:12 The 45th COVID19 death has been reported. The deceased is 68-year-old female, resident of Maligawatte, who passed away at home from high blood pressure and a cardiac arrest as a result of COVID19.
21:57 The 46th COVID19 death has been recorded. The deceased is a 63-year-old male, resident of Imbulgoda, who passed away at the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Tuesday, November 10
13:21 Health Ministry Spokesperson Dr Jayaruwan Bandara says, despite rumours to the contrary, no decision has been made to revise current regulations on cremation of COVID19 dead.
17:34 Four more COVID19 deaths have been reported, bringing the total number of deaths from the virus to 40. Details here.
19:32 Another COVID19 death has been reported. The deceased is a 48-year-old male, resident of Ragama, who was a cancer patient. This is the 42st COVID19 death.
Monday, November 9
17:41 Government announces that the Kurunegala municipal limits and the Kuliyapitiya police area that were isolated can return to normal, with the exception of the Illapugedara, Kadaweediya, Galagedara, Hammalawa and Ihala Kalugomuwa grama niladaree divisions.
18:42 Angulana North and Angulana South police divisions have been isolated with immediate effect, until further notice.
20:09 The Kandana and Mahabage police divisions have been isolated with immediate effect, until further notice.
22:35 The 36th COVID19 death has been reported. The deceased is an 84-year-old female, resident of Kandana, who had passed away at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases (IDH) in Colombo.
Sunday, November 8
08:36 Government says that curfew on the Western Province that was due to be lifted at 5 AM tomorrow will be lifted, but the following areas will be isolated. A number of housing schemes have also been earmarked as High-Risk zones and movement of residents there restricted. Full list here.
Saturday, November 7
21:20 Four COVID19 deaths have been reported. All details are here:
Friday, November 6
11:26 The 30th COVID19 death has been reported. The deceased is a 23-year-old male, resident of Modara, Colombo 15, who was a diabetic.
Thursday, November 5
18:17 Five COVID19 deaths have been confirmed by authorities: three females and two males, ages 46, 58, 68, 73 and 74, residents of Colombo 2, 12, 14, 15 and Wellampitiya. More details here.
20:31 The Bulathkohupitiya police area and the Galigamuwa pradeshiya sabha area in the Kegalle district which were isolated have been returned to normal.
Wednesday, November 4
10:00 Today marks a month since the ‘second wave’ of COVID19 emerged in the country. Read our roundup here:
12:03 The 24th COVID19 death was reported today. The deceased is a 79-year-old female, resident of Colombo 13, who passed away while at home.
Tuesday, November 3
10:58 The 22nd and 23rd COVID19 deaths have been reported in the country: the deceased are both females, aged 61 and 68, residents of Colombo 15 and 13, who had passed away while at home.
Monday, November 2
12:20 Government announces the 22nd COVID-19 related death in Sri Lanka. The deceased is a 27-year-old male from Panadura, who had been detected with the virus, and later died by suicide.
18:45 Government decides to revise its decision on the previous death. Says the death will NOT be attributed to COVID19. The number of deaths from COVID19 in Sri Lanka is now 21.
22:27 Hemmathagama, Mawanella and Bulathkohupitiya police areas in the Kegalle district and the Galgamuwa pradeshiya sabha and Giriulla police area in the Kurunegala district have been declared isolated with immediate effect.
Sunday, November 1
16:02 Curfew on the Western Province that was due to be lifted at 5 AM tomorrow will continue till 5 AM, November 9, Army Commander and Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) Lt. General Shavendra Silva has said. Curfew will also be imposed on Eheliyagoda in the Ratnapura district, the Kurunegala Urban Council and the Kuliyapitiya police area during this period. The Army Commander said everyone within the Western Province must endeavour as far as possible to stay at home, while those in other provinces must endeavour not to travel between provinces.
18:39 One-hundred-and-ninty-three people have been detected with COVID19, bringing the total number of those in the latest cluster to 7,378.
21:19 The 21st COVID19 death has been reported: the deceased is a 40-year-old male, who is a resident of Mahara. He was admitted to the Welisara Hospital on October 23, and passed away last night, on October 31. His first PCR test had not indicated he was positive with the virus, but the second test, conducted after death, had confirmed it.
Saturday, October 31
9:38 The 20th COVID19 death has been reported in Sri Lanka. The deceased is a 54-year-old female, resident of Colombo 12, who was being treated at the Colombo National Hospital.
17:07 Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana says 454 people who left the Western Province before curfew was imposed, despite being told not to, have been traced and asked to quarantine for 14 days where they are. He said the majority of them were detected in areas like Jaffna, Batticaloa, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela, Matara and Tangalle. He said police would continue to trace others who have left violating curfew orders.
18:36 One-hundred-and-thirty-seven new COVID19 cases have been recorded, increasing the latest clusters to 7,083.
21:43 One-hundred-and-two-more COVID19 cases have been recorded. The number of cases in the latest clusters has now increased to 7,185.
Friday, October 30
10:31 A special police operation has been launched to identify those that left the Western Province despite requests not to.
18:31 Welsiripura, Raulapura and Pragathipura in Mirihana, Nugegoda have been declared isolated, with immediate effect, until further notice.
19:42 Three-hundred-and-fourteen new COVID19 cases have been recorded, bringing the cluster total to 6,627.
22:17 Three-hundred-and-nineteen COVID19 cases have been reported thus far today. The total from the latest clusters is now 6,946.
Thursday, October 29
11:34 The government announces that all villages in the Kalutara district that were isolated — with the exception of Badugama New Colony — can function as normal.
19:06 Four-hundred-and-fourteen new COVID19 cases have been reported, bringing the total from the new clusters to 6,145.
22:33 One-hundred-and-sixty-eight new COVID19 cases have been recorded. This brings the total from the newest clusters to 6,313.
Wednesday, October 28
13:18 The government has announced that curfew will be imposed across the entire Western Province with effect from midnight tomorrow (29) until 5 AM on Monday, November 2. Police request the public not to leave the Western Province during the window before curfew comes into effect. Areas currently under curfew will continue, even after curfew on the rest of the Western Province is lifted on Monday.
19:07 Two-hundred-and-eleven people have tested positive for COVID19, bringing the total from the latest clusters to 5,607.
22:52 One-hundred-and-twenty-four more COVID19 cases recorded. Total from the latest clusters is now 5,731.
Tuesday, October 27
09:33 The town of Hatton in the Central Province has been declared isolated with immediate effect, until further notice.
13:17 The 17th COVID19 death in the country has been reported: the deceased is a 41-year-old male, a resident of Ja-ela, who was being treated at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases (IDH) in Colombo.
14:46 The 18th and 19th COVID19 related deaths have been reported: the deceased are a 19-year-old male and a 75-year-old female, residents of Keselwatte and Colombo 2.
16:10 The Attorney General has directed the Acting Inspector General of Police (AIGP) to conduct an investigation into the origins of the Minuwangoda cluster and submit a report within two weeks.
18:13 Two-hundred-and-ninety-three new COVID19 cases have been recorded, increasing the cluster to 5,232.
19:44 The government has assigned days for people under curfew to leave the house to pick up essentials and medical supplies: In Gampaha and Kalutara it is Mondays and Thursdays, from 8 AM to 10 PM, and in Colombo and Kurunegala it is Tuesdays and Fridays, during the same times.
21:27 Curfew has been imposed on Pandura, Moratuwa and Homagama, with immediate effect, until further notice.
22:01 One-hundred-and sixty-four new COVID19 cases have been reported, bringing the total from the new clusters to 5,396.
Monday, October 26
08:54 The government has decided to close the Parliament premises for two days (October 26 and 27) for disinfection and sanitisation.
17:59 Army Commander and Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) Lt. General Shavendra Silva said first contacts of those who have already contracted COVID19 will no longer be taken to quarantine centres, but directed to self-quarantine at home.
19:04 Two-hundred-and-eighty new COVID19 cases have been reported thus far today, bringing to 4,678 the total number of cases from the Minuwangoda and Peliyagoda Central Fish Market clusters.
22:48 Two-hundred-and-sixty-one more COVID19 cases have been reported, increasing the cluster to 4,939.
Sunday, October 25
13:19 The government announces that curfew will be imposed on Borella, Welikada, Fort and Pettah police areas in Colombo from 6 PM this evening until further notice.
13:49 The National Operation Centre for the Prevention of COVID19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) says curfew that is currently imposed on the Gampaha district that was due to be lifted at 5 AM tomorrow, will continue indefinitely. Adds that all pharmacies and stores selling essential items will be open from between 8 AM and 10 PM.
13:57 The NOCPCO says both private and public banks will be operational in Gampaha tomorrow and that staff can use official ID to travel during curfew.
18:55 Curfew imposed on Payagala, Beruwala and Aluthgama that was due to be lifted at 5 AM tomorrow will continue indefinitely, the NOCPCO says.
Saturday, October 24
11:46 The 15th death as a result of COVID19 has been reported in Sri Lanka. The deceased is a 56-year-old male with pre-existing heart and kidney conditions, who was being treated at the ICU of the Kuliyapitiya Hospital.
17:17 The government says curfew will be imposed on Gothatuwa and Mulleriyawa in the Colombo district from 7 PM today until further notice.
18:38 Two-hundred-and-one COVID19 cases have been reported today: 37 are from within quarantine centres, 24 at fisheries harbours and 140 contacts of those at the Central Fish Market in Peliyagoda.
21:44 Government annouces curfew will be imposed with immediate effect on Maligawatte, Keselwatte, Dam Street, Aduruppu Veediya and Foreshore police areas until further notice.
22:25 Seventy-five more COVD19 cases have been recorded, making it 276 cases detected thus far today.
23:46 Ninty-two new COVID19 cases reported. This brings to 368 the number of cases detected today. All cases are contacts of those from the Minuwangoda cluster, or those from the Central Fish Market complex.
Friday, October 23
12:17 A 26-year-old COVID-19 patient — a resident of Wellampitiya which is under curfew — has escaped from the Kosgama Hospital where he was transferred to in the early hours of the morning.
13:31 The 26-year-old COVID-19 patient who escaped from the Kosgama Hospital in the early hours of the morning, was apprehended at the Sahaspura Housing Scheme in Borella.
18:21 Six-hundred-and-nine new COVID19 cases were reported today: 48 from quarantine centres, 496 from the Central Fish Market Complex in Peliyagoda, 20 from the Beruwala Harbour, 5 from the Galle Harbour and 40 other contacts.
21:47 Curfew has been declared on Maradana and Dematagoda in Colombo with immediate effect until further notice, and on Payagala, Beruwala and Althugama in the Kalutara district until 5 AM on Monday (26)
21:49 Gulavita North, Gulavita South, Wedawatte, Mugurumaswila and Makalandaava areas in the Walallawita Divisional Secretariat Division of the Kalutara district have been declared isolated.
22:24 Two-hundred-and-sixty-five new COVID19 cases have been recorded, bringing to 865 the total number of cases recorded today — the highest in a day since March 2020.
Thursday, October 22
07:45 Curfew has been imposed with immediate effect on the Modara, Mattakkuliya, Grandpass, Wellampitiya and Bloemendhal police areas in Colombo.
15:32 Fifty more people have tested positive for COVID19. This brings the total number of those affected in the Minuwangoda cluster to 2,558.
15:34 Government announces that curfew will be imposed on the Kotahena police area from 6 PM today until further notice.
22:29 Two-hundred-and-fifty-nine COVID19 cases recorded; 182 from the Central Fish Market Complex in Peliyagoda. This brings to 309 the number of cases reported thus far today and the number of cases from the Minuwangoda cluster to 2,817.
Wednesday, October 21
07:56 Police have temporarily closed the Fort Police Station after an officer there tested positive for COVID19 yesterday. The public has been asked to visit the Pettah or Slave Island police stations for their services instead.
09:59 The Fort Police Station that was temporarily closed last night after an officer tested positive for COVID19 has been re-opened to the public.
12:41 The Central Fish Market Complex in Peliyagoda has been temporarily closed after 49 people tested positive for COVID19.
13:30 Government announces curfew will be imposed on the entire Gampaha district from 10 PM today until 5 AM on Monday.
16:55 One-hundred-and-nine COVID19 cases have been reported: 37 are from within quarantine centres, 23 are close contacts and 49 are from the Peliyagoda fish market. The total number of cases from the Miniwangoda cluster is now 2,451.
20:20 Agalawatte, Gorakkgoda, Bergama, Dapiligoda and Kekulandara North in the Agalawatte Divisional Secretariat Division and Bellana in the Palindapura Divisional Secretariat Division have been declared isolated with immediate effect until further notice.
21:55 Fifty-seven more COVID19 cases have been recorded, bringing to 2,508 the total number of cases now in the Minuwangoda cluster.
Tuesday, October 20
14:34 Curfew has been imposed on Kuliyapitiya, Pannala, Giriulla, Narammala and Dummalasuriya police areas with immediate effect, until further notice
14:35 Sixty new COVID19 cases have been recorded today, bringing to 2,222 the total number of cases in the Minuwangoda cluster.
21:50 One-hundred-and-twenty new COVID19 cases recorded. The total number of cases in the Minuwangoda cluster is now 2,342.
Monday, October 19
13:30 Forty-seven new COVID19 cases have been reported. This brings the total number of cases in the Minuwangoda cluster thus far to 2,122.
19:21 Forty new COVID19 cases reported, bringing to 2,162 the number of cases in the Minuwangoda cluster.
Sunday, October 18
16:00 Twenty-two new COVID19 cases reported. The number of cases in the Minuwangoda cluster is now 2,036.
18:20 Three villages in Matugama in the Kalutara district of the Western province have been isolated. The villages are, Ovitigala, Badugama and Badugama Nawa Janapadaya.
18:35 Thirty-nine new COVID19 cases have been reported from the Minuwangoda cluster, bringing to 2,075 the number of cases reported from that cluster thus far.
Saturday, October 17
16:05 Seventy-three new COVID19 cases have been reported. This brings to 1,972 the total number of cases in the Minuwangoda cluster thus far.
19:05 Forty-two new COVID19 cases reported, bringing to 2,014 the total number of cases in the Minuwangoda cluster.
Friday, October 16
14:40 Sixty-one new COVID19 cases reported. The total number of cases from the Minuwangoda cluster is now 1,850.
19:00 Forty-nine new COVID19 cases have been reported. The number of cases in the Minuwangoda cluster is now 1,899.
Thursday, October 15
19:00 Forty-nine new COVID19 cases have been reported. The number of cases in The Miniwangoda cluster reaches 1,899.
21:30 Nineteen new COVID19 cases were reported from the Minuwangoda cluster. The total number of cases associated with that cluster is now 1,789.
22:23 The Extraordinary Gazette setting out new regulations for the prevention of COVID19 has been issued.
Wednesday, October 14
14:17 The Moratuwa branch of MediHelp, a private hospice which temporarily shut down after a patient tested positive for COVID19 on October 5, says all staff have tested negative for the virus, and that it is working to resume operations.
14:20 Seventeen new COVID19 cases have been reported from the Minuwangoda cluster.
19:55 One-hundred-and-thirteen new COVID19 cases were reported from the Minuwangoda cluster, bringing to 130 the number of cases from that cluster recorded today. The total number of cases from that cluster is now 1,721.
Tuesday, October 13
13:41 Forty-nine new COVID19 cases have been reported from the Minuwangoda cluster today, the govt. says.
20:42 One-hundred-and-forty-five new COVID19 cases reported from the Minuwangoda cluster today, bringing the total number of cases from that cluster to 1,591.
Monday, October 12
17:48 MediHelp, a private hospice, issued a statement notifying the public that a person who had visited their Moratuwa branch on October 5, had tested positive for COVID19.
13:58 Thirty-nine more COVID19 cases have been reported from the Minuwangoda cluster.
14:11 An employee of the National Development Bank (NDB) branch located at Marine Drive, Colombo 4 tested positive for COVID19, forcing the management to close its branch for disinfection today. The bank said all employees at the branch had been directed to self-quarantine under the directives of health authorities.
15:09 National carrier SriLankan Airlines confirms that an employee at its Cargo Operations Division had tested positive. The airline said PCR tests were conducted on 50 other employees who had worked closely with the patient, and that they were awaiting results.
Sunday, October 11
17:54 Government announces it has declared Pattithottam and Periyakadei villages in Mannar isolated to contain COVID19.
19:26 Sixty-one new COVID19 cases reported from the Minuwangoda cluster, bringing to 1,247 the total number of those affected in that cluster.
21:07 Sixty more COVID19 cases reported from the Minuwangoda cluster. The total number of those affected by the cluster is now 1,307.
Saturday, October 10
13:19 An attendant at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children has tested positive for COVID19, a day after a ten-month-old child was detected with the virus.
17:12 Army Commander and Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) Lt. General Shavendra Silva asks all those who have come into contact with employees of the private apparel factory in Minuwangoda to ensure they get PCR tested.
18:52 Three staffers at the Colombo National Hospital have tested positive for COVID19, forcing the hospital to temporarily close three wards and one operating theatre.
22:01 Two new COVID19 cases have been reported. The total number of cases reported today is now 105.
Friday, October 9
06:28 Army Commander and Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) say it does not intend to impose a countrywide curfew or to lockdown the city of Colombo over the weekend.
06:36 Police announce that supermarkets, food distribution outlets, pharmacies, Sathosa stores etc. will be open until 8 PM today.
11:14 The Department of Railways says special compartments in trains plying the Main Line will be assigned to students travelling to take the Grade 5 Scholarship and Advanced Level examinations.
12:29 A 38-year-old employee of another apparel factory in Minuwangoda tests positive for the virus.
12:58 The Department of Registration of Persons, which had suspended operation until October 9, extends the period of suspension to October 16.
13:07 A 17-year-old from Adippala, Arachchikattuwa, Puttalam who visited Gampaha for tuition class, has tested positive for COVID-19.
13:07 A 36-year-old from Chilaw who attended the Colombo Book Fair on Saturday, September 23, has tested positive for COVID-19. Police say he was also at the Colombo Central Bus Stand and had travelled to Nuwara Eliya the following week.
14:07 The Bishop of Mannar, 16 other Catholic priests and 40 construction workers at the Bishop’s House have been directed to self-quarantine after a construction worker tested positive for COVID-19.
14:21 The Education Ministry has decided to set up separate exam centres for Grade 5 Scholarship and Advanced Level examination students who are under quarantine.
15:17 The Minuwangoda Police station which was closed for disinfection yesterday after the son of the canteen owner attached to the station tested positive for the virus, has reopened.
15:42 The Central Mail Exchange has decided to suspend all operations until October 17. Postal services in the Gampaha district have also been suspended till October 17.
19:20 A fifty-six-year-old resident of Katuwapitiya has tested positive for COVID19 while at a Negombo private hospital. The hospital has been temporarily closed for disinfection.
20:24 The Foreign Ministry announces it’s Consular Affairs Division will close until further notice. Says only queries relating to attestation of Export Documents will be accepted on prior appointment on the number +94 (011)2338812.
22:04 Fourteen new COVID19 cases detected; one, an employee of the Minuwangoda apparel factory, the thirteen others close contacts of existing patients. Total cases from the cluster has now reached 1,083.
Thursday, October 8
15:58 The management of St. Bridget’s Convent, a leading girls’ school in Colombo, issues a statement confirming that a student has tested positive for the virus.
14:26 The International College of Business and Technology (ICBT), a private university in Colombo issues a statement saying a student at the campus has tested positive for COVID19.
10:07 Inland Revenue Department announces it has suspended services until further notice. Directs queries to its website.
10:32 An expectant-mother tests positive for COVID10 while at the Castle Hospital for Women in Colombo.
11:08 The Railway Department has decided to suspend a number of train services.
12:35 A family member of an employee of the Parliamentary Services Unit (PSU) has contracted COVID19. PCR tests have been carried out on all family members as well as on other employees of the PSU as a precautionary measure, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene tells Parliament. He said that PCR tests have been conducted on the individual and all members of his office in Pelawatte, Battaramulla as a precautionary measure.
13:29 The canteen owner at the Minuwangoda Police Station tests positive for COVID19. Police say the necessary precautions are being taken.
16:25 The Department of Registrar of Companies decides to suspend service. Directs all queries to its website.
16:42 The Minuwangoda Police Station has been closed after the canteen owner tested positive for COVID19. All police officers attached to the police station have been directed to self-quarantine and PCR tests are being conducted on them.
17:43 Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs issues health directives to be implemented at mosques.
18:14 Police arrest an 18-year-old for publishing fake news related to COVID-19 on social media. The offender has used the letterhead of the Presidential Secretariat and a new organisation to mislead the public.
19:34 Government decides to temporarily suspend repatriation flights in order to manage the weight on existing quarantine and hospital facilities that are now geared to service patients from the newly detected cluster in the island.
Wednesday, October 7
21:32 Hospitality conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC issues a statement informing the public that an employee has been exposed to COVID19 and that the company is following standard procedures together with health officials.
18:39 Brandix Sri Lanka Ltd. issues second statement in response to rumours that the COVID19 outbreak at its Minuwangoda factory was the result of Indian employees brought down to help with work over-capacity, and allegations that these workers had not fulfilled quarantine requirements.
17:23 St. Joseph’s College Colombo issues a statement confirming that a parent of a student has tested positive for COVID19.
12:50 Police curfew has been imposed with immediate effect on 18 police areas:
11:46 The Royal Golf Club in Colombo issues a statement announcing its temporary closure after the daughter of a gardener attached to the club tested positive for the virus.
12:44 Police seek public assistance to locate a 62-year-old COVID-19 patient who has walked out of the Ragama Hospital. Details here.
13:54 One-hundred-and-ninety Minuwangoda apparel factory workers test positive for COVID19. The total number of those affected by this cluster is now 1,022, surpassing the previously largest Navy cluster which affected 951 Naval officers.
14:40 The Ministry of Education says that the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination and the Advanced Level Examination will be held as scheduled on October 10 and between October 12 and November 06.
15:23 All employees of the Minuwangoda apparel factory have been asked by the Police to report to 14 specific locations before 4 PM.
17:07 The 62-year-old COVID19 patient who walked out of the Ragama Hospital has been apprehended by Police.
16:25 Governors of the Central and Eastern provinces order all tuition classes suspended until further notice.
17:24 Six more people have tested positive for COVID19: Four are Minuwangoda apparel factory employees. One is attached to an apparel factory belonging to the same company in Welisara, also in the Gampaha district and one a cleaner attached to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
17:59 Chief Epidemiologist of the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health says employees at the privately-owned apparel factory had displayed symptoms of respiratory infections from around September 20 and that it would, therefore, be difficult to ascertain the original source of the virus.
19:50 Five more Minuwangoda apparel factory employees, and a close contact of an employee test positive for COVID19.
Tuesday, October 6
06:55 Fifty-one people arrested for violating curfew in Minuwangoda, Divulapitiya and Veyangoda overnight.
10: 35 Police say a 60-year-old resident of Wellawatte was arrested overnight for publishing fake COVID19-related news on social media.
12:50 Two-hundred-and-forty-six Minuwangoda apparel factory employees test positive for COVID19. The total number of those affected by this cluster is now 567.
13:44 Police announce curfew will be imposed on the Gampaha police division from 6 PM this evening, until further notice.
15:57 All events – exhibitions, musical shows, outdoor functions, parties, conferences parties etc. have been prohibited until further notice.
16:13 One-hundred-and-thirteen Minuwangoda apparel factory workers test positive for COVID19.
16:36 The Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Department of Registration of Persons decide to temporarily halt services and say they will be closed until October 9.
14: 38 The government has requested all employees of the Minuwangoda apparel factory and their families to remain at home, no matter where in the country they are.
21:41 Police say tough action will be taken against those hiding or assisting the evasion of any COVID19 or suspect-COVID19 patient.
20:22 The Department of Motor Traffic has decided to temporarily suspend services until October 9.
22:28 One-hundred-and-twenty-four Minuwangoda apparel workers test positive for COVID19. The total number of those affected by this cluster has now risen to 832.
22:31 Governor of the North Western Province announces that all tuition classes in the province will be temporarily halted until further notice.
Monday, October 5
06:58 Ten people arrested for violating curfew in the Minuwangoda area overnight.
07:50 University Grants Commission advises Kelaniya University, Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute and Nailwala Institute of Higher Technology students to remain at home.
11:04 Sixty-nine employees of the Minuwangoda apparel factory test positive for COVID19.
14:23 Prisons’ Department decides visitors will not be allowed to prisons across the island as a temporary measure until further notice.
15:14 Department of Buddhist Affairs announces that all Daham Pasal (Sunday Schools) will not operate until further notice.
16:40 Health Ministry says it will conduct PCR tests on 2,000 employees of the Minuwangoda apparel factory.
17:11 Two Minuwangoda apparel factory workers test positive for COVID19 in Kurunegala and are transferred to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in Colombo.
18:23 A Minuwangoda apparel factory employee tests positive for COVID19 in Jaffna and is transferred to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in Colombo.
20:00 Five Minuwangoda apparel factory employees test positive for COVID19.
21:19 Ten Minuwangoda apparel factory employees test positive for COVID19. The total number of employees affected is now 88.
21:40 Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandana Wickremaratne cancels leave for all police officers until further notice.
21:58 Thirteen Minuwangoda apparel factory employees test positive for COVID19, raising the total number of those affected now to 101.
Sunday, October 4
07:45 An employee of an apparel factory in Minuwangoda, in the Gampaha district, has tested positive for #COVID19. This is the first reported case from outside quarantine centres in two months.
08:11 The apparel factory employee is a resident of Divulapitiya – 15 staffers at the Gampaha Hospital where she was admitted to with a fever, and over 40 employees of the apparel factory placed in self-quarantine.
09:40 Police curfew has been imposed on the police divisions of Minuwangoda and Divulapitiya with immediate effect until further notice.
12:06 The Education Ministry has decided that all schools and tuition classes in the Gampaha district will close for a week.
12:30 The Education Ministry decides that all schools will close for second term school holidays immediately, and not at the end of the week as previously scheduled.
12:40 The Prisons Department decides that no visitors will be allowed to the prisons in Mahara and Negombo with immediate effect.
12:43 Higher education institutions in the Gampaha district – the Kelaniya University, the Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute and the Nailwala Institute of Higher Technology – decide to close for a week. The University Grants Commission (UGC) also orders student hostels to vacate immediately.
01:00 The Archdiocese of Colombo announces that all Catholic schools across the island will also close for second term holidays early.
01:20 The Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Child Development directs all pre-schools in the country to also close.
01:23 Army, Navy, Air Force and Civil Defence Force (CDF) personnel from Minuwangoda and Divulapitiya areas asked not to report to work.
14:24 Brandix Lanka Ltd., the private apparel company whose 39-year-old employee tested positive for COVID19 issues a statement on what measures it has taken to manage the situation.
17:05 The 16-year-old daughter of the apparel factory worker also tests positive for the virus and is moved to the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Colombo.
17:40 Acting Health Services Director Dr S. Sridharan asks those in the Gampaha district with symptoms of fever to immediately have a PCR test done at the nearest hospital.
20:33 The Education Ministry decides that tuition classes in the Colombo district will also be suspended with immediate effect until further notice, and that all international schools and private schools in the island will also close early.
20:49 Police curfew imposed on the Veyangoda police area with immediate effect until further notice.
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