In response, Cabinet Co-Spokesman Dr. Ramesh Pathirana stated that no such decision has been taken so far. “No such decision has been taken at present. Meanwhile, National Operations Centre for the Prevention of the Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) Head and Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva yesterday told the media that the decision on whether to lift or extend the lockdown status on 1 October will be announced by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (29) or tomorrow (30). Accordingly, the President will announce as to whether the lockdown will be lifted or extended, within the course of today or tomorrow,” he noted. Taking into account the rapid spread of Covid-19 and the increase of the number of Covid-19 deaths in the country, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, on 20 August, declared a lockdown status, which has subsequently been extended on multiple occasions, with the latest extension being till 4 a.m. on 1 October 2021.

Source: The Nation September 28, 2021 17:48 UTC