of 25 October 2020, a total of 7,872 confirmed cases, 3,803 recoveries, and 15 deaths

have been reported in the country.[4] On 3 March 2020, the first reported case involving
a Sri Lankan origin outside Sri Lanka was reported in Italy. As of 23 March, forty-five
quarantine centres have been built in the country by the Sri Lanka Army as a preventive
measure to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. [5] Nearly 3,500 people have been under
quarantine in 45 quarantine centres which also include 31 foreigners from 14 countries.
[6]
As of 25 March 2020, Sri Lankan authorities have tracked down over 14,000 people who
had contacted the identified patients and had ordered self-quarantine for such people.
[7]
As of 16 April 2020, Sri Lanka has been named as 16th high risk country prone to virus
pandemic.[8] Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has been ranked 9th best country in the world for its
successful immediate response on tackling the virus.[9]
Sri Lankan government announced that it lifted the curfew on 11 May which was in
effect for over two months which brings an end to 52 day lockdown style curfew and
meaning that public can start going to workplace by maintaining social distancing but
the public gatherings, festivals and celebrations are banned. [10][11] Sri Lankan
government also approved the permission to open salons, beauty parlours and barber
shops on 11 May but has strictly banned shaving.[12][13][14] The government urged the
barbers to maintain precautionary health measures while cutting hair. [15]
2020 Sri Lankan parliamentary election being held on 5 August 2020 amid pandemic with
vote turnout initially had a slow start mainly due to the virus fears and despite the slow
start, the voting numbers started to pick up gradually in late morning. [16][17] The
authorities also made wearing face masks as compulsory requirement along with the
use of hand sanitizers in the polling station for the voters when entering as well as when
leaving the polling station.[18][19]