In Sri Lanka, seven new cases of COVID were confirmed on Monday bringing the number of active cases to 154.

Altogether 56 people have been cured of the total 217 infections while seven people have died so far.

Meanwhile, the country’s main festival of Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations began on Monday.

People carry out religious performances and greet their friends and relatives on the occasion.

However, authorities have advised people to carry out celebrations within their homes.

The country is under curfew and a special island-wide police operation has been launched from 6.00 p.m. on Monday to arrest curfew violators.

DIG Ajith Rohana requested the public to remain within their homes at all times and not to misuse curfew passes for personal reasons.

He urged the public to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with their family while adhering to the guidelines issued by health officials.

The system of work from home, introduced for employees of both public and private sectors has now been extended until this weekend.