This is a revision to the directive it issued at the start of this week which relaxed the rule on wearing of face masks outdoors. This directive, criticized by many as unjustified and ill thought of, came immediately after the appointment of the new health minister Channa Jayasumana who made a verbal announcement that it was not mandatory to wear face masks outdoors.
In addition to wearing face masks outdoors, the wearing of face masks indoors and in public transport will continue to be mandatory.
