In a special statement, Health Services Director General Dr Anil Jasinghe rejected news report that COVID19 risk in Sri Lanka is removed.

A report published by a Sinhala newspaper quoting Jasinghe sparked a fierce debate in the country earlier today.

Clarifying his position, Jasinghe said the country had successfully contained the virus to clusters and prevented social transmission through a series of measures, but risk remains.

He also added that Health Services, Defense Services and other stakeholders will continue measures to contain COVID-19 - even if the country is opened up in the future - so that removal of risk can become reality soon.