Coronavirus Outbreak in Sri Lanka

Today: May 17, 2026 06:31:39 am

Coronavirus Sri Lanka In Numbers

1028

Total Infected

Total number of Infected People

0

Critical

Patients in ICU with critical condition

9

Total Dead

Total people killed by COVID-19

604

Total Recovered

Total infected people fully recovered

415

Remaining

Currently remaining COVID-19 patients

112

Suspected

Number of people *assumed infected* or under observation

17

Test Locations

Total no. of Coronavirus test locations

23

Quarantine & Treatment Locations

No. of Quarantine & Treatment centers

4

High Risk Districts

Districts defined as high COVID-19 risk

20th May 2020

Last Identified Date

Last date an infected person is identified

First Case Confirmed:
January 27th, 2020

Second Case Confirmed:
March 10th, 2020

Gap in 1st & 2nd:
44 Days

Final Case Confirmed:
…

Coronavirus Sri Lanka Live Update — Daily Graph

Total Recovered Deaths

Coronavirus Outbreak Map — Districts

100+ 50—100 25—50 1—25 0
Colombo 160 Gampaha 53 Kalutara 65 Mahanuwara 15 Matale 1 Nuwara Eliya 1 Galle 1 Matara 2 Hambantota 3 Jaffna 16 Kilinochchi 0 Mannar 0 Vavuniya 2 Mullaitivu 0 Batticaloa 1 Ampara 3 Trincomalee 2 Kurunegala 27 Puttalam 41 Anuradhapura 12 Polonnaruwa 1 Badulla 3 Moneragala 4 Ratnapura 8 Kegalle 8 NOTE: District Map does not contain 262 COVID-19 patients categorized as Welisara Naval Base, Quarantine Centers and Unknown.

COVID-19 Outbreak LK Age Graph

Age Count Age %

COVID-19 Outbreak LK Gender Graph

Male Female Male % Female %

COVID-19 Testing, Treatment & Quarantine Locations

COVID-19 LK Patient Nationality

Sri Lanka France India China

Coronavirus Sri Lanka Update — COVID-19 LK Timeline

May 4th, 2020

  • Pension will be paid for May month on May 5th and May 6th same as last month.
  • 207 Sri Lankan Students landed at Katunayake Airport arrived from London, UK in Flight UL—504.
  • Manning Market in Colombo is now opened for Wholesale purchases only.
  • 46,397 Curfew breachers. 12,049 vehicles impounded.
  • PCR Tests to be done before doing post mortem of dead bodies.
  • 293 Navy service members infected with Coronavirus Disease so far.
  • 14,000 calls received for hotline introduced for Drug Addicts help.
  • 26,842 total PCR Coronavirus Tests carried out in Sri Lanka.
  • First Navy soldier infected with COVID-19 successfully recovered within 10 Days.
  • Commisioner of Labour says employer should take action to pay the salaries of the employees who were in full-time service in April.

May 3rd, 2020

  • SriLankan Airlines flight UL—503 departed to London, UK to bring around 250 Sri Lankan Students.
  • Maximum retail price of Dhal and Canned Fish is removed.
  • Coronavirus Curfew will be lifted at 5.00AM May 4th and reimposed at 8.00PM May 6th for all districts except Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam High Risk districts.
  • Nationwide Curfew will be imposed from May 6th 8.00PM to May 11th 5.00AM.
  • 45,115 Curfew breachers with 11,699 vehicles impounded.
  • A Dutch flight with 230 Crew Members arrived at Mattala Airport who will be transported to a ship anchored at the Port of Galle. The Dutch Flight will leave back with 53 Passengers from that ship.
  • Akurana in Kandy (35 Days), Pannila and Cheenakotuwa Beruwala (19 Days) in Kalutara, Imammul Arus Mawatha Maradana (32 Days) and Mahakachchikodiya area in Vavuniya (7 Days) are reopened from isolation.
  • 244 Factories in Free Trade Zone starts operating again after a break due to Coronavirus outbreak.
  • 4 people including Chairman of Akuressa Pradeshiya Sabha arrested while they were going to Sri Pada from Akuressa breaching Coronavirus Curfew.
  • 25,206 total PCR Tests done in Sri Lanka.
  • 4,635 people quarantined in 36 Coronavirus Quarantine Centers in Sri Lanka.
  • Rs.5,000 Coronavirus Relief allowance is to be paid by Government for the month May.
  • NIC Number System for leaving home is only applicable to areas where Coronavirus Curfew is imposed from now on. Leave rule is as follows,
    • Monday — 1 or 2 as the last digit in NIC
    • Tuesday — 3 or 4 as the last digit in NIC
    • Wednesday — 5 or 6 as the last digit in NIC
    • Thursday — 7 or 8 as the last digit in NIC
    • Friday — 9 or 0 as the last digit in NIC

May 2nd, 2020

  • Post Master General says Postal Duties will only be carried out in Coronavirus Curfew relaxed districts.
  • Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center creates a COVID-19 Remedy treatment to help patients with Coronavirus symptoms by helping lung cells to regenerate through its Stem Cell treatment.
  • Validity expired Checks under Rs.500,000 will be considered valid by banks until May 15th.
  • Deadline for the COVID-19 Reliefs request for customers — individuals and businesses — of financial institutions is extended until May 15th. Reliefs include Debt Moratoriums, 4% per year refinancing facility for 2-Months working capital.
  • A way for people stranded in Western Province unable to go home has started from today as revealed by Police Media Spokesperson, SP Jaliya Senarathna. 370 stranded people sent home so far in 23 districts through SLTB Buses which included pregnant women, small children and long-term patients.
  • Police Sergeant in Matara got suspended after breaching the Coronavirus Quarantine Laws by bringing a woman from Negombo to Matara, a High Risk Area.
  • Special flights to bring Sri Lankan students from London, UK and Melbourne, Australia will be carried out on May 3, 4, 5 and May 8 respectively.
  • Ja Ela PHI, Anura Abeyratne says 64 year old person in Kapala Kanda Rd, Ja Ela recovered from COVID-19 in April contracted again with COVID-19 after a new PCR Test. He also had Diabetes and done a Kidney Surgery before.
  • A hotel opposite to Dambulla Economic Center faced a seizure after breaching Curfew Laws as well as selling inappropriate food to eat.
  • 44,000 Curfew breachers. 11,460 vehicles impounded.
  • 23,525 PCR Tests done so far.

May 1st, 2020

  • Coronavirus Curfew breachers in Sri Lanka — even if released on bail — may have legal cases once the outbreak is over under the "Quarantine Act & Criminal Law". Breachers could be facing 4 Months jail time, a Fine within Rs.2,000 — Rs.10,000. In case the Breacher is a Government Employee, they might lose the job.
  • Total number of Curfew Breachers now 43,459 with 11,246 impounded vehicles.
  • Chairman of the Nawalapitiya Municipal Council, a United National Party representative and 6 others arrested for breaching Coronavirus Curfew by gambling at a lodge in Ginigathhena Nawalapitiya Road.
  • Leave cancelled for police until May 15th.
  • Ministry of Health requests people to celebrate Wesak Poya Day within their homes as high priority.
  • Manning Market in Colombo requests Coronavirus Risk Groups — Elders, Pregnant Women, People with special conditions — NOT to come.
  • Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of Health Services, says Coronavirus outbreak in Western Province is under control, but not a solid 100%.
  • 22,418 PCR Tests carried out so far in Sri Lanka.
  • Local Milk Powder price is allowed to increase from May 28th for local companies such as Milco, Nestle, and Pelwatte. Milco 400g costs Rs.380 from Rs.345 while 1Kg costs Rs. 945 from Rs.860.
  • A bit of normalcy in civilian life to be started back again from May 11th  in Sri Lanka.
  • People who're not going to work can only go out for essential services from May 11th.
  • Coronavirus Curfew permits are only valid if the Driver and Passengers wear Face Masks.
  • Except 4 High Risk Districts, Curfew will be imposed at 8.00PM to 5.00AM until May 6th and then reimposed again on May 6th 8.00PM until 5.00AM on May 11th.
  • Rs.20,000 allowance to be given for unemployed graduates has been stopped by Election Commission.
  • Dr. Anil Jasinghe says daily PCR Tests can be increased to 3,000 if required. Current average daily PCR Tests is 1,300.
  • PCR Tests for Coronavirus Disease is carried out by 15 state and private laboratories in Sri Lanka.

April 30th, 2020

  • 13 Medical personals — 1 Colombo MOH and 12 PHIs — decided to leave the service temporary for self-quarantine after their request for a PCR Test rejected.
  • 3,609 people are quarantined within 32 Coronavirus Quarantine Centers in Sri Lanka.
  • 878 Million in the COVID-19 Healthcare & Social Security Fund today.
  • Capacity of Angoda IDH is exceeded and new COVID-19 patients are sent to Homagama Base Hospital.
  • Police Officers served on high risk areas to be subjected for PCR Testing.
  • I Cert introduces a new Quad Bike for Coronavirus Disinfection with the ability to cover a large area by 1 person as well as to reach small areas where huge machines cannot reach.
  • Due to Coronavirus outbreak, all 11 oil storage terminals are full.
  • Malani Fonseka's brother Upali Fonseka died of Coronavirus Disease in England. He is also the father of Senali Fonseka actress.
  • More Sri Lankan students stranded in India arrived to Sri Lanka today 5.15PM on a special SriLankan Airlines flight UL 1118.
  • Rs. 10 Billion allocated to 150K metric tons of fertilizer planned to distribute among Farmers from 20th May.
  • Sri Lanka Ports Authority says they are ready to clear out imported vehicles even during Coronavirus outbreak due to problems arriving in managing terminals during goods operation.
  • Rs. 10 Million is granted for Central Cultural Fund to be distributed among Artists due to the current outbreak situation within the Sri Lanka.
  • 14 cases of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka are drug addicts.
  • To stop new cases arising from Drug Addicts, Police issued a notice asking people not to offer accommodation to any outsider special in Nagalagam Street and Gunasinghepura areas Or they will be breaking Quarantine Law.
  • Total of 21,000 PCR Tests have been done and only 3% were positive so far in Sri Lanka.
  • Islandwide curfew starting from today 8.00PM untill 5.00AM May 4th.
  • Out of 31 Coronavirus Clusters in Sri Lanka, 27 have been identified and deactivated successfully. Out of the 4 left, 3 are being deactivated currently.

April 29th, 2020

  • Military service members who are fully injured, getting treatment or part of the national sports team are allowed to stay at home.
  • SL Post Offices will be opened on May 4th for normal operations including public assistance, adult allowance, farmers' pension and pension payments.
  • Rs.100 per 1Kg of White Sugar control price has been removed.
  • Today on, Homagama Base Hospital will be turned into a COVID-19 Treatment location.
  • Special Sri Lankan Airlines flight carrying 143 Sri Lankans from New Delhi, India landed at Katunayake Airport.
  • 226 SL Navy service members found to be positive for Coronavirus Disease. 147 at Welisara Camp while 79 were on leave.
  • Validity of the Curfew permits given for essential service providers is extended until May 31st.

April 28th, 2020

  • Batticaloa Teaching Hospital too starts PCR Testing for Coronavirus.
  • Sri Lanka carried out 1,553 PCR Tests within the last 24hrs ended at yesterday 5PM.
  • During COVID-19, Pregnant Women are advised to visit the clinic by appointment only. If following symptoms exists — Severe headaches, Difficulty in breathing, Fever, Weakness in sight, Fits, Chest or Abdominal pain, Swelling of the body or other severe discomfort — they should be hospitalized immediately.
  • 164 Sri Lankans arrived at Katunayake Airport on a special SriLankan Airlines flight UL—1172 from Bangalore, India.
  • Impact of global Coronavirus to reduce the growth rate from 2.5% in 2019 to 1.5% in 2020 said by CBSL.
  • Curfew lifted from 5.00AM till 8.00PM all districts except Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha and Puttalam.
  • Curfew breachers arrested so far is 41,003 along with 10,560 vehicles impounded.
  • 73 Sri Lankan students arrived at Katunayake Airport on SLA flight UL—1423 from Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Dabare Mawatha in Narahenpita, '60 Watte' in Torrington — Colombo 7 — and Havelock Lane areas are isolated.

April 27th, 2020

  • All island curfew imposed to allow military service members to report their camps.
  • Leave cancelled until further notice by Ministry of Defense for all Military personnel — Army, Navy and Air Force.
  • NIC Number System for obtaining outdoor essential services and medicines is applicable for all districts except Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha and Puttalam.
  • All District People are allowed to go to hospital for health issues or medicine without the NIC Number System by providing relevant documents.
  • 2,500 people in Nelumsirigama, Samagipura, Kiriibbanwewa and Udamavara were requested to self-quarantine.
  • Bandaranaike Mawatha area which reported 97 COVID-19 infectsions so far has drastically dropped its new cases.
  • Narahenpita Dedicated Economic center reopened today 6.00AM.
  • Manning Market will be reopened only for Wholesale Trading from April 29th, 2020.
  • 1,309 Curfew Breachers arrested and 348 Vehicles impounded during the last 24hrs ending at 6AM today. Total 39,875 breachers along with 10,257 vehicles.
  • Schools won't be used as Coronavirus Quarantine Centers while they maybe used to maintain physical distancing of military service members. Army Commander also confirmed suspected or infected military personnel won't be going to schools. Schools given to Military include, Thurstan College, Royal College, Battaramulla Subhuthi Vidyalaya, D.S. Senanayake Vidyalaya and Kotahena Maha Vidyalaya.
  • COVID-19 Healthcare & Social Security Fund reached 866 Millions through corporate, individual and direct donations.
  • 53 new infections are children under the age 18.
  • CBSL issued a notice to its Licensed Banks to reduce the max Interest Rate for pawning gold from 12% — 17.5% usual rate to 12% per year Or 1% per month if the pawning period is under 1 year.

April 5th, 2020

  • 1 more COVID-19 patient in Sri Lanka recovers fully. Total 25 recovered now.
  • COVID-19 kills 5th patient today. Total 5 recovered now. Gender: Male. Age: 44. From: Italy.
  • Total number of Coronavirus Curfew breachers in Sri Lanka: 12,223.

April 4th, 2020

  • 1 more COVID-19 patient in Sri Lanka recovers fully. Total 25 recovered now.
  • COVID-19 kills 5th patient today. Total 5 recovered now. Gender: Male. Age: 44. From: Italy.
  • Total number of Coronavirus Curfew breachers in Sri Lanka: 12,223.

Coronavirus FAQs

What is Coronavirus Disease 2019?
Coronavirus Disease 2019 — also known as COVID-19, Novel Coronavirus — is a new virus causing an infectious disease on a person’s respiratory system, first recognized in Wuhan, China December 2019.
Is Coronavirus in Sri Lanka?
Yes, as of January 27th, 2020 Coronavirus is in Sri Lanka infecting a total of 1028 people.
What are the Main Symptoms of Coronavirus?
Fever, Dry Cough, Sore Throat and Breathing difficulty are the main symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019. Although Tiredness, Loss of Smell, Loss of Taste and a Runny Nose are some of the symptoms reported by a few people.
What is the Recovery Rate For Coronavirus?
The current recovery rate for Coronavirus in Sri Lanka is 58.75% while the global recovery rate is 26.5%.
How Long Can Coronavirus Live on Surfaces?
Varous studies have found coronavirus can live for few hours to days on different surfaces. There are many variables, so take these numbers with a bit of salt.
  • Plastic and Stainless Steel — 3 Days
  • Cardboard — 24 Hours
  • Copper — 4 Hours
  • Paper surfaces — Few Hours to 5 Days
  • Aerosols (Air) — 3 Hours
  • Metal, Glass and Ceramic — 5 Days
  • Wood — 4 Days
  • Aluminium — 8 Hours
Coronavirus RNA was found on Diamond Princess cruise ship 17 days after passengers left, but a virus needs all of its parts to count as “alive”.
How to Shop Safely During Coronavirus?

Coronavirus pandemic made people slowdown and stuck at their homes by lockdowns & curfews. If you’re somebody who’s stuck at home, your (only) way to shop safely is: Online orders.

Here’s a list of ways for Sri Lankans to shop grocery online.

If you’re living in an area with no lockdowns, curfews, STILL the safest way to shop is online ordering. You can pay with card to avoid touching LOTS of foriegn objects.

How to Help Others During Coronavirus?

People are stuck due to lockdowns & curfews. Then some don’t even have money to buy stuffs. This is the best time to help people by donating money, food, medicine, free training, giving online jobs as well as staying at home to minimize the spread.

Discover more ideas on how YOU can help other during COVID-19.

Are Post Offices Open During Coronavirus?
All Post Offices are closed during Coronavirus pandemic in Sri Lanka until further notice. Therefore, you won’t be able to receive any packages, mails during this time.
What is the R Value of Coronavirus?

R0, or R naught simply means the average number of people which one infected person with a virus can spread onto others. So the R value really looks at “How Infectious or Contagion a virus is” and is NOT a fixed number.

Factors like lockdowns can reduce R0 value. UK was estimated to R value of 3.5 before the lockdowns and after it’s less than 1.

Where Can I Get Tested for Coronavirus?
Currently in Sri Lanka, only the people going through Coronavirus symptoms are allowed to take the PCR test at 17 hospitals. Find more details about these testing locations here.

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