Sri Lanka lifts six-week virus lockdown amid economic worries

A man om Colombo displays used shoes for sale at his shop after easing of coronavirus restrictions in Colombo, Sri Lanka (Eranga Jayawardena/AP )

Sri Lanka has lifted a six-week lockdown as Covid-19 cases and deaths decline.

Despite the end of the lockdown and a curfew, strict restrictions remain. People are only allowed out for work or to buy essentials. Public gatherings are banned while cinemas, schools and restaurants will still be closed, according to the health ministry. Strict rules are also imposed on public transport, weddings and funerals.