Out of the five prisoners who had fled the Gallella COVID-19 treatment facility in Polonnaruwa, police have been able to arrest two individuals, the latest being a 52-year-old individual by the name of Nimal Wasantha who was arrested by the Arachchikatuwa police yesterday afternoon.
Police said this individual had been arrested on a robbery case and had been detained in the Negombo prison. He was thereafter identified as COVID-19 positive after which he was sent to Gallella. “We have asked the public not to allow these individuals to remain at their residences and action will be taken against those aid and abet these individuals.” Media spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said.
He said that another individual was arrested in Chilaw yesterday for harbouring a COVID-19 infected person and concealing that information from police.
This individual has been ordered to follow quarantine procedures and will be charged in court in respect of the provision of the penal code with the offence of harbouring a suspect as well as under the provision of quarantine and prevention of diseases ordinance.