(TopNews) The National COVID task force presided over by president Gothabhaya Rajapaksha decided not to imposed total lockdown in line with the rapid increase of COVID death and infection rate.

However, the committee agreed to imposed strict travel restrictions, especially within the provinces. Meanwhile, a report published by the WHO Sri Lanka office predicted if the present death rate continues there are 18,000 deaths can experience by the end of the year. The report prepared by 30 specialist doctors requested a total close down the country, even a short time to curb the pandemic.