Govt. keen to keep country open

16 February 2021 02:21 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Government is keen to keep the country open as a lockdown will have a serious impact on the economy.

Cabinet co-spokesman Udaya Gammanpila, speaking to reporters at the post-Cabinet virtual press conference, said that countries like Australia have enforced a lockdown for the fourth time.

However, he said that Sri Lanka’s economy collapsed, and hundreds of people lost their jobs after a lockdown was enforced last year.

“Sri Lanka does not have the economic strength to manage if there is a lockdown. Even if we want to do it we cannot,” he said.

As a result, Gammanpila said that the government is keen to address the coronavirus issue while keeping the country open.

“The challenge we have ahead of us is to live with the coronavirus,” he said.

The Minister further noted that the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) has a number of infected patients yet the doctors and nurses have not been infected.

“This shows that if proper precautions are taken you will not contract the virus even if you are among infected people,” he said.

Gammanpila also said that the situation in the country keeps changing daily and the Covid Task Force keeps meeting to assess the situation.

He recalled that once Army Commander, General Shavendra Silva had announced in the morning there will not be a curfew but in the evening he had to announce that a curfew is being declared. (Easwaran Rutnam)

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Comments - 12

Samson Tuesday, 16 February 2021 05:02 PM

Economy has collapsed hence no landing charges at airports. To live with the virus why enforce restrictions on weddings and other gatherings?

KOLA KOTIYA Tuesday, 16 February 2021 05:03 PM

COUNTRY OPEN OR CLOSE NO DIFFERENCE TOTAL MESS

Gamaya Tuesday, 16 February 2021 05:20 PM

You all better keep your eyes and ears open and close your mouths!!!

Michael Ranasinghe Tuesday, 16 February 2021 05:31 PM

As resident of Kotte we see your party head office used to gather your supporters and there is no social distancing . What morale right do you have to preach about taking precautions and following health guidelines . You and your cronies violate these very guidelines .

Joshua Tuesday, 16 February 2021 05:45 PM

Ah you are there

Mm Tuesday, 16 February 2021 06:00 PM

Open for us Sri Lankan’s to move about or open to keep tourists happy ? After all Sri Lanka is the only country that a citizen has to ask for permission to come home

Chux Tuesday, 16 February 2021 06:20 PM

All know you are an A grade idiot

Sam Silva Tuesday, 16 February 2021 06:33 PM

Correct. Need the money for your luxury life.

Panniya Tuesday, 16 February 2021 07:05 PM

Committing SUICIDE ! !

roni Tuesday, 16 February 2021 10:08 PM

When is the next round of begging for LKR100/ from your supposed to be base to begin. Just keep silent you have a foul mouth.

Man Wednesday, 17 February 2021 10:37 AM

The government do not want to care, old and unhealthy. That is their slogan. 6.9 M voters understand that quite well.

Michelle Wednesday, 17 February 2021 11:12 AM

This is a death sentence waiting to happen close the airports and full lock down till everyone e is vaccinated Uk citizen

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Govt. keen to keep country open

Comments - 12

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