(VIDEO) SL will not run out beds for quarantine or treatment; says Army Commander

Speaking to News 1st on Newsline, the Army Commander said there will no island-wide lockdown, but certain areas will be placed in isolation based on the spike of COVID-19 infections reported from the said area.

"The repatriation process has not stopped," stressed the Army Commander adding that numbers of those being repatriated could be dropped given the situation in the country.

"We cannot afford to have any leaks from the quarantine centers," he warned.

Speaking further, General Shavendra Silva said the Sri Lanka Army will be taking over the operation of issuing the Exit PCR for those returning from overseas.

General Shavendra Silva said Sri Lanka will NOT run out of space for quarantine purposes adding Sri Lanka Army is currently in the process of manufacturing 10,000 beds for treatment centers.

"This is a contingency plan and it does not mean the situation is getting worse. The new variant is fast spreading and we have to be prepared," he said.

He said Sri Lanka now has the facilities to quarantine 10,000 people at any given time adding the decision to suspend events after Monday (03) was made taking into consideration the spread of COVID-19.

"Many weddings are to take place on 03rd May given that it is considered to be an auspicious day. The restrictions will have to be followed," said the Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO).