News
WHO brainstorming meeting among public health experts: Observations and recommendations
Covid-19 surge in Sri Lanka
Public health experts representing diverse specialties held a brainstorming meeting convened by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Sri Lanka to discuss the current spike in cases in Sri Lanka recently, according to a media statement issued by the WHO Colombo Office. The key observations and recommendations to policy and decision-makers indicated below are documented based on proceedings and the consensus achieved at the meeting. The views expressed on the situation are those of the experts and do not necessarily reflect those of WHO.
The following crucial factors were considered:
The COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka is very likely to get worse over the next few weeks. The decisions we take NOW will affect the lives of millions of Sri Lankans. Therefore, the next 3-4 weeks are critical in controlling transmission and saving lives.
The epidemiological trend of the past weeks shows a rapid exponential increase in the number of cases, this trend is likely to continue for some time if no effective interventions are made.
There is a lag of 1-2 weeks between infection and case detection and a further lag of an additional 2-3 weeks between an increase of reported cases and an increase in reported ICU admissions and deaths. Thus, the deaths and ICU admissions we are seeing now are the consequence of infections that took place at the early stage of this third wave (3-4 weeks ago).
The public sector health system is stretched to the limit, making it difficult to manage COVID-19 cases as well as other essential services. More health professionals and preventive staff (e.g. PHIs) are getting infected and HR policies need to be geared to meet the urgency. There is a “tipping point” beyond which the system can rapidly go out of control.
The more transmissible and severe variants detected in India and other variants have already been detected in the country, these can spread faster and may even circumvent vaccine-induced immunity.
Vaccines will be crucial to controlling the epidemic in the medium-term but will not address the immediate crisis we now face. Some vaccines are only effective after the second dose. Therefore, it will take a minimum of 6-8 weeks to see the effects of vaccination in the number of new cases.
In the context of the above, there are two URGENT actions we can take to save lives – stop new infections as effectively as possible and prepare for the predictable increase in severe cases and deaths.
1.
Globally, evidence shows that strict and immediate measures to restrict mobility are the only measures that quickly and drastically reduce cases. Sri Lanka will also benefit from strict mobility restrictions whilst maintaining major economic activities and essential services. There is a need to stop inter-district travel and introduce severe restrictions on non-essential human mobilities and the congregation of people. Universal adherence to ‘precautions’ such as appropriate masking, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and avoiding the 3Cs – crowds, confined and enclosed spaces, and close-contact settings is a must. High transmission areas must be shut down for 2-3 weeks to stop or limit transmission. There should be a national mobilization effort to accelerate vaccination.
2.
Reconsider the management of asymptomatic cases, revise clinical management protocol to include home management. Increase focus on intermediate care centres to detect cases early, properly monitor patients, and appropriately manage cases, thereby minimizing the need for more intensive care. Prepare for an increase in hospitalization and the need for adequate HDU and ICU care.
Participants
Dr. Palitha Abeykoon, WHO Consultant and WHO Director-General’s Special Envoy For COVID-19 Preparedness and Response for SEAR
Prof. Malik Peiris, Chair/Professor – School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong
Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Consultant Physician and Past President of the College of Physicians
Prof. Neelika Malavige, Professor and Head, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Sri Jayewardenepura University
Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne
Public Health Specialist, President- Sarvodaya (CSO)
Dr. Padma Gunaratne, Consultant Neuro Physician and President, Sri Lanka Medical Association
Prof. Indika Karunathilake, Prof. in Medical Education, Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine and Former President – SLMA
Prof. Asita de Silva, Senior Professor of Pharmacology, University of Kelaniya and President, Sri Lanka Association of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Prof. Manuj Weerasinghe , Professor in Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo
Dr. LakKumar Fernando, Consultant Pediatrician and President, Association of Medical Specialists
Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, Consultant in Community Medicine and Former Chief Epidemiologist in Sri Lanka and President of the College of Community Physicians in Sri Lanka
Prof. Saroj Jayasinghe, Consultant Physician and former Prof. of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo
Prof. Kamini Mendis , Professor Emeritus, University of Colombo; Public Health Expert and former WHO Malaria expert
Dr. Olivia Nieveras, Officer In-Charge, WHO Sri Lanka
Dr. Sapumal Dhanapala, WHO Sri Lanka
Dr. Padmal de Silva, WHO Sri Lanka
Prof. Nalika Gunawardena, WHO Sri Lanka
Mr. T Suveendran, WHO Sri Lanka
Dr. Preshila Samaraweera, WHO Sri Lanka
Ms. Sahani Chandraratna, WHO Sri Lanka
Dr. Mizaya Cader, WHO Sri Lanka
Ms. Sadhani Rajapakse, WHO Sri Lanka
Dr. Anjalee De Silva, WHO Sri Lanka
Dr. Roshan Sampath , WHO Sri Lanka
Dr. Shreenika De Silva, WHO Sri Lanka
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
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