<span style="color: #222222;">Sri Lanka has imposed a travel ban for passengers from Iran, Italy and South Korea while universities have been asked to shut down for two weeks from tomorrow in a bid to tackle challenge of COVID-19. Civil Aviation Authority has instructed all airlines not to carry passengers to Sri Lanka from the aforesaid three countries, which are the worst-hit by the virus. The country has already suspended visa on arrival facility for foreigners while schools are closed from today till 20th of next month. Two confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been detected in Sri Lanka while 64 others have been admitted as suspected cases.  <br />''<br />''Meanwhile, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said that there is no undue reason for people to panic as all steps have been taken by the relevant authorities to assure public health. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said, recent decisions were precautionary measures to keep all safe and urged the public not to panic. The statements came as there was a run for household essentials at supermalls and people were seen purchasing things in bulk for fear of a lockdown. Long queues were also seen outside petrol sheds amidst rumors for possibility of a shortage. Telecommunications authority today issued directive to refrain from misuse of all telecom services to share false or fabricated information on COVID-19 to create panic and termed it a punishable offence.</span><br />