Residents in areas under curfew hit by problems

COLOMBO (News1st): Residents in areas that are under curfew have complained over the absence of a proper mechanism to obtain essential goods and food items. "The loaf of bread that I purchased this morning has to be eaten this afternoon as well. We just drink water. All the shops are closed," one resident explained her plight. Several others complained of the lack of money to purchase goods as their livelihoods have been affected due to the pandemic. "We operated a food stall here. That was our livelihood. After about a week we didn't have a single cent in our hand," one resident lamented. Quarantine curfew has been in effect across 18 police divisions in the Gampaha District since October 7. All shops in these areas have been closed during the curfew.