Thu, 28 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Govt. fully geared to tackle coronavirus: Defence Secretary

16 March 2020 08:34 am - 9     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said the government was fully geared to ensure the protection of the country’s 21.4 million population from coronavirus or COVID-19, today.

He said there was no need for people to panic as the Defence Ministry was working closely with the Health Ministry and other relevant authorities to provide assistance to confront the spread of the coronavirus.

“Defence Ministry together with the Health Ministry has taken all precautionary measures to prevent the spreading of coronavirus in the island under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s directives,” he said.

At a ceremony organised to award scholarships for the children of fallen and disabled soldiers and civilians of the Gajaba Regiment held at the regimental headquarters in Anuradhapura on Friday, he told the media that some issues had triggered when residents protested against setting up of quarantine facilities in their localities.

“We also had to face objections by some air passengers, who arrived from COVID-19 hit countries, when they were asked to undergo 14-days quarantine process,” he said adding that they were impatiently waiting to return to Sri Lanka to join their families.

However, the Defence Secretary said despite objections of those who were arriving from COVID-19 hit countries, it was mandatory for them to undergo quarantine procedures as the safety of the country’s entire population is more vital.

“We are giving them the best possible care and facilities during the quarantine period,” he said. Panic buying and stockpiling of essential items is not required as the Government would do everything possible to curb the spread of COVID-19 to spread throughout the country, Maj.Gen. Gunaratne said

“The military is also tasked to analyse past records, items used, places that the infected people had visited and people whom they had associated,” he said adding that the Army Chief Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva has been appointed to coordinate the entire COVID-19 mitigation process. 


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 9

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Buddhsit Monday, 16 March 2020 10:07 AM

    This is not the job of the Defense Secretary but the job of Minister of Health.

    vithura Monday, 16 March 2020 04:14 PM

    Who knows he might the new govt. spokesman on policy matters, to know it all.

    Pissa Monday, 16 March 2020 06:31 PM

    You are absolutely correct. Health minister should be a doctor.

    rew Monday, 16 March 2020 11:16 AM

    Quite right, medical experts need to show the way.

    Mike Monday, 16 March 2020 02:38 PM

    He can because the decontamination process is with the military and not the local ministry of health.

    ranjit Monday, 16 March 2020 03:36 PM

    this is not an army operation. This ought ti be done by health officials.

    Waco Monday, 16 March 2020 04:58 PM

    Capable , efficient, and competent people have been given the Job. Good Decision by the Government.

    Warren Raed Monday, 16 March 2020 05:26 PM

    All you know is defense. Not treatment for illnesses. Will you please keep quiet for a while and let the medical experts have their say?

    R. Anthony Monday, 16 March 2020 08:41 PM

    It's a serious Medical Emergency, and Not a WAR.


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H