256 civilians from the Gunasinghapura Area in Colombo were directed to the SLAF Quarantine Centre at Mullaitivu on 19 April 2020. These civilians were released today (10 May 2020) after completion of 21 days of quarantine.

The Quarantine Centre at Mullaitivu was established on the instructions of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sumangala Dias and will continue function and support the government’s efforts in controlling the spread of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka.

The 256 civilians were made up of 225 males and 31 females. 50 elderly civilians were directed to a home for elders while 30 elderly civilians were sent to the Ridigama Hospital for Elders. 51 untrained civilians were directed to farms to be employed as untrained workers. 48 civilians who were found to be addicted to drugs were also directed to the Rehabilitation Centre at Kandakadu while 77 civilians were sent to their homes.

The operations and management of the SLAF Quarantine Centre at Mullaitivu was carried out under the direct supervision of the Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Mullaitivu, Group Captain Anuruddha Wijesiriwardane who was supported by the Staff of the Station.