The circular issued by the Western Provincial Council encouraging mask use due to increased respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19 variants, has been withdrawn.
According to the Western Province Chief Secretary’s office, withdrawal had taken place after a wrong interpretation of the letter had circulated on social media.
The Western Province Chief Secretary said the circular was issued only for the employees of the Western Province Ministries and departments housed at the Western Provincial Council building and not for all workers of the government sector.
MoH clarification
Earlier, Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe had confirmed that there is no general requirement to mandate face masks in government offices.
In a letter to the Western Province Chief Secretary, Dr. Jasinghe stressed that any such advisories should be issued solely based on health ministry guidance to avoid public panic and ensure consistency in health messaging.
He had explained that following the end of the COVID-19 global pandemic in mid-2023, the virus has been categorized under standard respiratory disease surveillance, alongside influenza. While respiratory illnesses may rise during the rainy season, existing public health strategies are sufficient, and COVID-19 no longer constitutes a special risk that warrants exceptional precautions.
Dr. Jasinghe further cautioned that issuing broad face mask mandates without Health Ministry consultation could lead to unnecessary public anxiety and disrupt normal operations. However, he noted that individuals are free to wear masks voluntarily or based on medical advice for personal protection.
Additionally, the Ministry does not support restricting individuals with mild symptoms like colds or coughs from attending work. Instead, it encourages those with symptoms to practice good hygiene and wear masks to protect others.
The Sinhala media release of the clarification by issued by the Ministry of Health in this regard, is as follows :
