News

Covid-19 pandemic spreads due to lack of a people-based campaign

Published

5 years ago

2021/05/9

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread at an alarming rate in Sri Lanka and in most countries world-wide. This is mainly due to the lack of a people-based campaign with proper leadership. In Sri Lanka the corona virus was introduced into the country by identified individuals coming from abroad. By identifying each case and the contacts who formed a cluster and isolating each cluster for the required period, the spread to the community was prevented.

This was done effectively by Sri Lanka’s good Public Health Service well supported by the Armed Forces. But with a high percentage of those infected not showing any symptoms (maybe as much as 80%), the virus began to spread among the community.

But that stage is well passed and today there is extensive spread among the community island- wide. Community spread began in the Western province with Colombo as the focus. Had there been early recognition of this change, a campaign to create awareness among the public and effective action to perform effective crowd control measures, the spread could have been controlled to a considerable extent. For some strange reason, this was not publicly accepted, as if a natural epidemiological effect was a sign of failure, and the campaign was continued on the basis of the cluster concept.

The Health Service backed by the Police and Armed Services is bearing the brunt of the present campaign. Fever cases are being tested with the PCR and RAT and positives are being hospitalized. Due to shortage of hospital beds, some milder patients are being isolated in their homes. Other public health measures are being implemented. But the epidemic is spreading fast. This is not surprising with the large number of asymptomatic infections in the community. This calls for a community based approach which is carried out nationally. We have a multicultural society and the practices of each community should be accommodated in the campaign.

My first suggestion was that all political leaders be brought into a Covid control committee so that it becomes a National Campaign. This Committee should interact with the Minister of Health both within and outside Parliament in a supportive manner. The most important step is to ensure that the whole community, every household is involved and made fully aware. Intense health education using all media would achieve this in a week or two, from children right up to the elderly. The core message should be that one has to presume that everyone in society is infected, and that for one’s own protection, the three health practices must be carried out: wearing a face mask properly at all times, especially when one goes outside the home, and even at home when any outsiders come in, practice social distancing (two meters is better), and frequent hand washing, especially when touching any object that someone else may have touched.

Avoid crowd gathering. This should be practiced by everyone, with political and social leaders setting the example. The reaction of people in the country should be that if anyone is seen to break the rules, others should point this out to him at once. This practice should prevail in town and village, at home and workplace. Sharing of towels, handkerchiefs, pillows, sheets etc. should stop. Everyone should carry one’s own small hand towel in the pocket or handbag.

A Covid Committee should be established in every village, at street level in every town, and in all workplaces. Besides its preventive role, it must help the family of an infected person, e.g. supply food and other needs, and give moral support. The Committee must ensure that the contacts do not infect anyone else. If any person develops any possible symptoms, the patient should be shown to a doctor at once. The Covid Committee should have a health official like a PHI or Midwife to be in contact.

The Committee should ensure that people do not crowd together. All social and political meetings should not be allowed. Essential meetings should be confined to the smallest number of essential people, who must observe the health guidelines. At the entry and exit to all public places, soap and water with washing facilities must be provided and their use made compulsory. If possible hand washing facilities with 80% alcohol sprays could be provided.

All Government officials, especially the Police, should prevent people crowding together e.g. at shops, bus stands and buses etc.. They should ensure that the three health practices are observed. Stern action should be taken against violators.

The Covid 19 virus is new to the world and there is no herd immunity. We have much through research to learn about it so that we can better control its spread and treat it. The Coronavirus that causes Covid-19 is fairly large (80 to 160mm) and generally multiplies in the human respiratory tract cells. As other coronaviruses can enter our body through the mouth and then multiply in the bowel, this is a theoretical possibility, but any indications to that occurring have not been established to my knowledge. It is generally transferred from an infected person to another person from the nose, mouth and possibly from the eyes through sneezing (nasal secretions) coughing (saliva and respiratory secretions) and tears.

Recent mention has been made of a new variant that can be airborne i.e. be carried by air (currents) just as virus particles. If true, this means that the masks should be able to block the small virus particles, and the social distance rule needs to be further lengthened. But as a single or a few virus particle are unlikely to transfer the infection, we can let events justify the need to take these extreme steps.

As is well known viruses multiply and grow only in specific living cells, in this case those of our respiratory tract. If they fall elsewhere, in a matter of hours they die. Therefore, let us focus on practicing our health rules. But everyone must do this as a habit. In this way, we can protect ourselves and at the same time, protect everyone else. If everybody does this the virus will die out.

Much effort and money is being spent on obtaining vaccines to protect our people. But it usually takes several years, about seven years on an average, before the ideal vaccine that is safe and effective, is developed. What is being offered may or may not work, or be safe considering the short period.

The duration of protection is unknown. It may need to be repeated in a year or two. Even the best vaccine only protects that particular individual (as this is not a live virus). To protect everybody, it must be given to each and every one. Then only will transmission stops. With luck, it may stop with about 80% coverage. Vaccinating those who run the risk of dying (vulnerable people) like the elderly and those with heart and lung disease or debilitating conditions like diabetes, is to be recommended. Those who are exposed to repeated infection like doctors and nurses should be covered. Taking our financial situation as a country and the outcomes, limiting vaccination to vulnerable groups is more sensible.

Prof. Tissa Vitarana

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Sun directly overhead Kokkuvil, Nallur, Kodikamam and Nagar Kovil at about 12.11 noon today (28)

Published

16 hours ago

2026/08/28

Priyan

The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 28th of August to 07th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion.

The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (28) are Kokkuvil, Nallur, Kodikamam and Nagar Kovil about 12.11 noon.

News

Eight politicians in drug kingpin probe

Published

16 hours ago

2026/08/28

Thilina Walpola

Police to arrest and question four former ministers, others over links to Basik

By Norman Palihawadane

Police are investigating alleged links between suspected major drug trafficker Shiran Basik and a number of prominent politicians, with eight of them due to be arrested and questioned as investigators widen their probe into his financial dealings and network of associates, police headquarters, according to a senior police officer.

Among those set to face questioning include a sitting MP, four former ministers, and at least one of them is a female. Police are also investigating allegations that Basik provided large sums of money to politicians during election campaigns and extended other financial and material benefits to political figures.

Investigators are also looking into claims that two politicians were provided with facilities to construct houses and hotels, while efforts are under way to establish the extent of political support and assistance allegedly provided to Basik.

The Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is expected to question the politicians based on information reportedly disclosed by Basik during interrogation. Two electoral organisers are also expected to be taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation, according to police sources.

Meanwhile, statements are being recorded from managers and employees of several businesses allegedly linked to Basik, while investigators continue to examine information and records recovered from his mobile phone.

Basik, 48, was brought back to Sri Lanka on August 14 after being arrested in Dubai and deported. He was taken into custody by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department’s Airport Unit at Bandaranaike International Airport and subsequently handed over to the CCIB for further investigation.

Police initially obtained a 72-hour detention order to question Basik before securing approval to detain him for 90 days.

Basik, a resident of Dehiwala, is facing investigations over alleged large-scale drug trafficking as well as firearms, and unlawful assembly of weapons-related offences. Police are also examining whether he had any involvement in recent prison-related incidents and have said information has emerged linking him to the 2012 Welikada Prison riot.

The investigation has also expanded to Basik’s alleged assets and business interests in Sri Lanka and overseas.

Police have said information uncovered during questioning indicates that Basik had claimed ownership of five hotels along Colombo’s Marine Drive. Investigators have also identified two houses and two mobile phone shops in Boralesgamuwa allegedly linked to him.

A court has ordered a comprehensive examination of bank accounts linked to Basik, with the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to conduct a review of his financial accounts. A separate investigation into his wealth and properties is being conducted by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division.

Investigators are also examining claims that Basik owns properties, including hotels and vehicles, in several European countries, as well as a high-value vehicle in Dubai. These claims remain subject to further investigation.

Basik had left Sri Lanka for Dubai in 2018, where police said he lived a lavish lifestyle while operating businesses. He was arrested by UAE authorities before being deported to Sri Lanka.

During initial questioning, Basik told investigators that Dubai police had stopped and searched him at a shopping mall and examined his mobile phone. He claimed that footage relating to Iranian missile and drone attacks was found on the device and that he was subsequently questioned over alleged links to Iran.

Police are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding his arrest and deportation, as well as the information contained in his mobile phone and other evidence gathered during the investigation.

The ongoing probe is being conducted under the supervision of Senior DIG Ranmal Kodituwakku and SSP Kamal Ariyawansa.The allegations against Basik and the politicians named in connection with the investigation have not been established in court, and the investigations remain ongoing.

News

CJ first SC judge to benefit from 22A, if enacted: BASL

Published

16 hours ago

2026/08/28

Thilina Walpola

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has opposed the proposed “Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution”, saying it raises serious concerns over judicial independence and the rights and interests of the public.

In a statement signed by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Nalin De Silva, the association said it had challenged the constitutionality of the proposed amendment before the Supreme Court.

The BASL noted that the Chief Justice would be the first Supreme Court judge to benefit from the proposed amendment if it becomes law. It also referred to widespread speculation that the amendment was being expedited to facilitate an extension of the incumbent Chief Justice’s tenure, which is due to end on December 1, 2026.

Full text of the statement:

“The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has taken a principled position opposing the Bill titled the “Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution” on the basis that it raises serious concerns regarding the independence of the Judiciary and the rights and interests of the people. Accordingly, the BASL has challenged the constitutionality of the proposed amendment before the Supreme Court.

“It is observed that it will be the Honourable Chief Justice who will be the first Judge of the Supreme Court who will benefit from the 22nd Amendment, if this Bill is enacted into Law.

There is widespread belief that this amendment is being rushed to facilitate the extension of the tenure of the Honourable Chief Justice which would otherwise complete on 1st December 2026. In this backdrop, in the recent past, we have witnessed allegations being made in Parliamentary Proceedings as well as on Social Media concerning the Judiciary including the incumbent Chief Justice.

“During this period, the BASL has also been subjected to unfounded attacks on social media and other platforms.

“The Judiciary, like every other institution exercising public power, must remain subject to legitimate scrutiny and accountability. Judgments, judicial conduct and the administration of justice may properly be subjected to fair, informed and responsible criticism. Where credible concerns or allegations arise regarding any member of the Judiciary, including the Chief Justice, they should be examined objectively and addressed through the appropriate constitutional and parliamentary processes which are in place, with due regard to fairness and due process.

“At the same time, everyone must exercise responsibility when making allegations concerning individual judges, lawyers and others. Personal attacks based upon unsubstantiated allegations can undermine public confidence in the administration of justice and affect the independence and integrity of the judicial process and the system of justice

“Judicial independence is not intended to shield any individual from legitimate scrutiny or accountability. It is a safeguard for the people, ensuring that disputes are determined impartially and that individual rights, the Rule of Law and the constitutional order are protected.

“The BASL therefore calls upon all organs of the State, all parties concerned and the media to respect the role of the Judiciary and the system of administration of justice, while ensuring that any genuine concerns are addressed fairly, responsibly and through the procedures established by the Constitution and the law.”