July 03, Colombo: Over 2,000 Policemen, including those in civil attire, have been deployed in public places of the Western Province to detect persons who are not wearing facemasks.

Senior DIG (Western Province) Deshabandu Tennakoon said Police had taken the decision to take legal action against those who defy the mandatory requirement of wearing masks as the Police had found that many people had neglected to wear masks.

The government has made wearing face masks in public places compulsory under the health guidelines spell out to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

DIG Tennakoon told the defence.lk that persons, who are seen in public places without facemasks, would be directed for compulsory 14-day self-quarantine at their homes under the observation of the nearest Police Stations.

He also said the Police would take legal actions against those who violate health guidelines 2,731 persons, who were found in public places without face masks, had been instructed to undergo self- quarantine.

“The directives have been issued by the Acting IGP Chandana Wickramaratne to all Police stations in this regard after receiving many complaints that people were not wearing masks in public posing a risk of spreading the virus,” he added.

When asked whether there were any attempts reported about illegal activities took place taking the cover of face masks, Tennakoon said the Police intelligence officials were kept on high alert round-the-clock and if anyone was caught for such attempt, he would be punished under the prevailing law.