Lanka lifts weddings ban

Sri Lanka yesterday lifted a ban on wedding receptions as part of an easing of coronavirus restrictions, but grooms may not kiss the bride -- at least in public. The country's well-heeled usually hold wedding celebrations with thousands of guests, and the festivities can last for days with much eating, drinking, dancing and singing. But under the new guidelines there should be no more than 100 guests, all of whom must stay a metre (three feet) apart and wear masks -- including the happy couple. Sri Lanka imposed a nationwide curfew on March 20 that ruled out gatherings of any sort, but the restrictions have been eased in many districts that are not considered high-risk. Religious gatherings remain banned while only the bereaved family are allowed at funerals. Sri Lanka has reported 1,055 virus infections with nine deaths since the first case was found on January 27.