Army Commander General Shavendra Silva says the ongoing inoculation project which is the main focus of the government is being carried out covering the entire country andcordial diplomatic ties have facilitated efforts to procure vaccines.

General Silva, who is also the Head, National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) says the government intends to shield the entire population by the end of 2021 to early 2022 to enable the restoration of stability.

 “We have effectively managed the first and second wave of the COVID-19, and we are so far in the process of controlling the third wave successfully.”

General Silva was participating at virtual online sessions at the Sri Lanka Investment  Forum (SLIF) yesterday.

Excerpts of General Silva’s speech: “Sri Lanka’s response strategy is based on firstly, breaking the chain of spread; secondly, curbing the spread by separating the infected from uninfected and isolating the exposed and vulnerable population; thirdly, treatment of infected personnel minimizing the loss of lives; fourthly, minimizing citizen suffering from associated loss of earnings, travel restrictions and difficulties to access medical and other necessities; fifthly, achieving the population immunity through vaccination which is the accepted best mean of defence against the virus; and finally, maintaining and progressing the economy and livelihood during and post-pandemic.

 “This strategy is operationalised by distancing rules, encouraging best practices, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine process. Military and National intelligence are extensively utilised for contact tracing supported by the public health authorities for subsequent monitoring and evacuation. Military, assisted by health authorities, spearheads the isolation and quarantine process, where Security Forces build and maintain quarantine facilities and provide security and medical assistance to run the quarantine centres island-wide.

 “In curbing the spread by separating the infected from uninfected and isolating the exposed and vulnerable population, the military assists in establishing and managing the Intermediate Care Centres under the guidelines of the health care authorities. Also, it is important to note that we have never neglected the tourists, foreign nationals and business partners living in Sri Lanka. We have had special consideration for such personnel from the beginning of the Pandemic, and we have taken care of them and assured their wellbeing as Sri Lankan citizens.

 “As of today, healthcare authorities make a tremendous effort to minimise the loss of lives. We have been able to manage all infected cases giving best possible treatments and facilities to save their lives.

 “It has to be understood that COVID-19 is not merely a health issue. Managing the Pandemic is essentially managing the economy and livelihood as well.  Also, the resilience in a Pandemic is essentially the resilience in the economy too. Therefore, the Government has never underestimated the importance of local and international economic activities to run the country’s economy. 

 “Preserving the National Economy has been a decisive factor for Sri Lanka before the Pandemic, during the Pandemic and will be in post-pandemic too. We have given equal emphasis to external and internal aspects of the National Economy. Let me emphasize that despite having imposed travel restrictions to control the spreading of COVID 19, the country was never closed for economic and economic-related activities.

“We have emphasised on safe tourism, giving the guarantee to long-and short-term tourists that Sri Lanka is a safe destination. We are in the process of developing and improving the ‘Bio Secure Bubble’ in tourism, sports, and diplomatic visits. Sri Lanka has proven its competencies in providing a bio secure environment from the port of landing back to the departure. In this aspect, we have readjusted infrastructure, transport, food and beverage and health facilities to provide cutting edge and quality service.

“Also, by now, we are focusing on enhancing Sri Lanka’s potential in facilitating MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism. Considering the situation in and around the world, we expect the relatively safer situation in Sri Lanka will give a boost to this market in time to come.

 “Despite the restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka has been committed to continuing the building of necessary infrastructure and service facilities for industrial and business advancement, which is a significant prerequisite for external and internal economic partnerships. Sri Lanka’s major development projects and infrastructure projects were not delayed due to the Pandemic, and also, the health and safety of the workers have never been compromised.