Sri Lanka has extended the ongoing lockdown nationwide till 13 September, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said, as daily infections still remain too high to ease lockdown. The government had imposed a nationwide lockdown on 20 August. 

The decision was taken after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa held a meeting with the Covid-19 Task Force on Friday. On Friday, the island nation reported around 3800 infections--down from around 9800 it reported 0n 30 August.  

Earlier, the government has been avoiding imposing nationwide lockdown, considering economic consequences at a time when it is already facing an economic crisis. So far it relied on imposing localized smart lockdowns, which kept economic activities going in other parts. 

However, as the cases rose significantly, capital Colombo--which is the worst affected region-- saw a self-imposed lockdown in the last few days. Streets were deserted as people avoided going out and shops remained shuttered. 

Many restrictions were already there. Educational institutes, gyms, nonessential gatherings, shows, and marriage functions were also banned. Various social and religious groups and businesses have been demanding an immediate nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of infections. 

The country’s medical infrastructure came under significant strain as hospitals across the country were flooded with patients, many among them now seeking oxygen support. Around 40 percent of the total eligible population have received both doses of Covid vaccines.