She said this during a special media statement May10.The minister said that by reopening the country May 11 the government anticipates two outcomes. One being to gradually get the economy back on track by restarting the private sector and the other is to restart the state sector to provide the required mechanism to kick start the economy.

Therefore, she said that she hoped the public do not unnecessarily travel to the city.

The Minister also stated that during last week no new cases were reported from Bandaranayake Mawatha and the Suduwella high risk areas.

She added that apart from the cases in the Welisara Navy camp and those who associated with them closely, no other cases have been reported during the last week.

Therefore, the decision was taken to reopen the country in order to restart the economy and get things moving.

She therefore, appealed to the public not to engage in unnecessary travel and to remain at home and follow the proper health directives. She also urged those who had undergone the quarantine procedure not to feel confident and go out among the public. She said these persons who had either had close contact with the infected naval personnel or their family members have a responsibility to remain at home and ensure you follow the proper quarantine measures to prevent the virus from spreading.