The country has incurred a loss of more than Rs. 60 billion due to the four day travel restriction that was imposed over the weekend.
State Minister of Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that it has been estimated that the GDP will lose Rs. 150 billion if a lockdown is imposed for 10 days in the country.
The State Minister pointed out that the travel restriction had resulted in many large scale manufacturers, especially the apparel sector, and small scale businesses to operate less.
He further said many people have lost their jobs and the Government had to pay their salaries despite the termination.
The Minister also said the Government spent approximately Rs. 138 billion to provide relief facilities to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic during the past 14 months. (NewsWire)