Opinion

Dedicated Management of Covid-19 control tasks

Published

4 years ago

2020/11/9

Don’t dishearten or belittle experts, health workers and tri-Servicemen in COVID-19 control tasks!

The feature article, “Failure to Manage COVID-19: Who is responsible ?” of Prof Sunil Wimalawansa, in Thursday’s issue of ‘The Island’ newspaper, critical of strategic approaches of the Task Force for COVID-19 control, spread of the virus, ‘inhuman’ and ‘draconian’ military measures, ‘worthless’ imposition of ‘quarantine curfew’, hiatus in system-thinking, ‘search and arrest’ mentality of the Army, punishing of victims and ‘contact-tracing mechanism’, etc., deserves clarification and correction, since unfounded utterances, and scathing remarks, attribute the increase of the infection to ‘adoption of wrong approaches, both by the Health Department stakeholders and tri-service troops, involved in quarantine work’.

Let me first place on record how the first wave of the attack was brought under control, no sooner than the first COVID patient was traced in March this year, and a necessary control mechanism was brought into effect on a Presidential directive after the President established a Task Force exclusively to work for it, well in advance, even before the first infected ones were reported in the country. The Task Force consists of the Minister of Health, Secretary to Ministry of Health, Director General of Health Services, Chief Epidemiologist, Medical Specialists, Tri- Service Heads, Inspector General of the Police, and a few other relevant stakeholders, for which the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army was entrusted the task of establishing the state-of-the art National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), at Rajagiriya, for coordination of all preventive roles.

He was invited to man it as the Head of NOCPCO by none other the President himself, most probably because of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva’s well-proven leadership and man-management as the Commander in the largest organization, well-equipped at all levels. The NOCPCO Task Force was, in fact, the ‘think-tank’ that regularly monitors, reviews, evaluates, predicts, proposes, implements and finally launches all necessary plans of action, after extensive discussions and decisions with all stake-holders. For example, it was the President who at first mooted the notion of establishing hitherto unheard of ‘Quarantine Centres’ across the country, to accommodate first and second contacts or their close associates, which have been very instrumental in isolating family members from infected ones. It was the Tri-Services which took the challenge and established such Centres in record time, and facilitated the evacuation to keep the contacts in quarantine.

It is pertinent to mention here that the NOCPCO and its Task Force, since its founding in March, has worked to-date very closely with each other, and has been accommodating all shades of expert opinions on the pestering issue, and in some instances, by going even to the extent of inviting such expertise to regular NOCPCO Task Force sessions. As such, the Task Force has been burning midnight oil, and succeeded in establishing more than 150 tri-service-managed Quarantine Centres across the island, new hospital wings, makeshift wards and newly converted ICUs for COVID-19 patients, management of Sri Lankan expatriates and foreigners arriving in the country, conduct of health checks on inmates and transportation of such groups. All those preventive measures, mind you, were done effectively on the basis of strategic decisions that were taken during those Task Force meeting sessions, and none of them were adopted as arbitrary or ‘inhuman’ measures, as claimed by the writer.

The question of conduct of PCR tests, en masse, at random and at other vulnerable places, has in fact been repeatedly taken up during those sessions, and alternative solutions to multiply numbers of such tests were explored, highlighted and finally agreed upon; thus now being able to perform more than four-digit numbers of PCR tests a day. Management of infected persons, for example, found in Suduwella, Keselwatte, Welisara, Kandakadu clusters, etc., during the first round of the virus attack, has very well proved that the combination of health officials, tri- servicemen and other stakeholders, in the preventive mechanism, delivered very effectively, as everyone knows with the public support that was also forthcoming from those in quarantine.

The other baffling task was the maintenance of day-to-day affairs of the country; we still being a country with a majority of low-income groups. Hence, the Task Force while running more than 150 Quarantine Centres with no complaint whatsoever, completed the quarantining of 63,439 persons while providing all three meals and refreshments free of charge at state cost. The Task Force was more focused on the general public and maintenance of normalcy in the country. Those subjected to quarantining for over 14 days or more, at such hurriedly-established Quarantine Centres, have been lavish in heaping kudos on those working at such places at the risk of their own lives, which was well articulated and self-explanatory in video clips, some of which have already gone viral. More importantly, where else in the world are such contacts accommodated, cared, fed at government cost, and transported home after quarantining? Although this practice has now been stalled, and confined to self-quarantining at homes, considering many facets of such programmes, particularly in terms of risks involved in exposing them to new areas, family commitments, etc. While caring for locals here, the government got down a total of 44,245 foreign land-based expatriates, who were also subjected to PCR tests and subsequent quarantining in those Centres. It was Sri Lanka which was among the firsts to fly home a group of 33 stranded students from Wuhan, and facilitated quarantining in Diyatalawa Army camp for the first time in our country.

The question of Quarantine Curfew was another concern to the writer. Quarantine Curfew and isolation of affected areas, was meant to cause the least inconvenience to the public after positive detections were reported during the current wave, were implemented purely as the only possible alternative in an area where there lives a large concentration of people. The public, though largely cooperative with health and tri-service workers, are seen taking this deadly virus for granted at times, and were going on with their daily business with no concern for others at all, unlike in some disciplined societies. Police were called in to wrest control of such miscreants. A greater responsibility, needless to reiterate, befalls the public, and they are repeatedly urged to maintain basic health guidelines, such as social-distancing, wearing of masks, regular washing of hands, etc., but the reports received unfortunately confirm the contrary. Hence, the imposition of quarantine curfew is just a deterrent to restrict movements for social contacts, instead of going for complete lockdowns, as in other worst-hit countries. For an economy like ours, such total closures would work counter-productive, and affect the community at large in a very negative manner if such closures persist.

On the other hand, not a single person, taken to state-sponsored Quarantine Centres by tri- servicemen or by coordination of PHIs, has so far complained of any such ‘search and arrest’ mentality or the so called ‘inhuman’ harassing as far as the NOCPCO is concerned, as claimed by the writer. We would be glad if the writer, although from overseas, is prepared to bring any such instance to our notice where the public has been purposefully inconvenienced or harassed by contributors in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka.

The second wave, with the emergence of the Brandix cluster, at Minuwangoda, and the Fish Market cluster afterwards, of course, has posed a varied threat to us, as the virus itself has unpredictably generated into a new form, according to medical experts. Yet, it is with a collective responsibility that we should face it unlike in the past, since its behaviour patterns, clinical qualities, and perhaps its mode of transmission itself, are still under strict surveillance at medical levels. at a time the whole world awakes to new dimensional threats of the same virus almost on a daily basis. So, the expertise of epidemiologists and other counterparts is constantly used in this exercise and welcomed with open arms.

Finally, it is noteworthy to record here that Sri Lanka could perhaps be the one and only nation that takes so much care of her own citizens, considering multifaceted challenges this deadly virus is creating to the very survival of man, sustenance of society, economy, social contacts, employment, education, health, and to almost every fabric of our society. NOCPC Task Force, having identified those challenges closely and quite accurately, would stand by the nation at this critical hour of our history, in order to salvage all Sri Lankans from this pandemic. which has threatened the whole mankind in the world. To do that, expertise of the writer’s caliber, re-visit of new developments, and scientific research, etc., are also most welcome, in true spirits with concrete and positive work plan, although such support has not reached us or seems to be not forthcoming from our critics; despite attempts, earlier made by the NOCPCO’s Task Force in that regard.

Brigadier

WIPULA CHANDRASIRI

Brigadier Coordinator, NOCPCO

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Opinion

Sally Hulugalle

Published

4 hours ago

2024/12/8

Thilina Walpola

Sally Hulugalle

Sally Hulugalle was a vibrant presence, and I am only sorry that I got to know her only over the last fifteen years or so. This was because her husband, Arjuna Hulugalle, who was distantly connected to my family through a Kurunegala link, got in touch with me in the aftermath of the war, for he was involved in various projects to help the people of the north.

I was able to get for his very worthy initiatives a lot of support, all on a small scale, from the Japanese government, through their hyper-active Deputy Ambassador, Mr Ishizuka, with whom I had bonded well from the time I took over the Peace Secretariat.

I would visit Arjuna at his house, and there I met his wife Sally, the daughter of a Civil Servant whose distinguished children included Barbara Sansoni. Sally was dedicated to social service, and was deeply concerned about the plight of women and children who suffered from neglect.

Having seen the appalling conditions at Mulleriyawa, where many women were incarcerated arbitrarily, given abuse of the Vagrants’ Ordinance, she set up NEST along with my old friend Kamini de Soysa. It worked at what is called the half way house for women meant to be released, but who rarely were, because they had nothing to go to. NEST gave them occupational therapy which provided a purpose in lives that were otherwise empty.

NEST also set up centres round the country which provided support to women and children in need. There were four of these when I first found out about them, though the one in Galle had to close. The other three, in Hendala and Dumbara and Kahatagasdigiliya, continue to provide yeoman service, the first two in houses belonging to NEST, the one in Dumbara having been set up after Sally received a cash prize from Norway for her work. Using what was given to her personally for those less fortunate was second nature to her.

Sally understood, in a way many of those in government responsible for those who fall through the net do not, the need for counseling, for listening to people in need, and for providing often very little things that made a substantial difference to their lives. She participated readily in the committees I set up when I was Adviser on Reconciliation to look into the plight of women and children, our recommendations extending to the rest of the country too, for I realized that government had not tried to coordinate the work of social service officials at divisional levels, and a few simple guidelines would have worked wonders.

But Mahinda Rajapaksa was not really interested in my advice and, though we had a thoughtful Ministry Secretary, Eric Illapayarachchi, he had to work with a neanderthal Minister who could not care less for the deprived. I could only think it sheer wickedness, that those in authority would not work swiftly to get rid of the Vagrants Ordinance, an archaic British law, which I was told was the only way prostitution could be stopped. That other women were swept into the net, and the way to stop prostitution was to make it illegal, not take in anyone on suspicion, were concepts beyond them.

I had another chance to make a difference when, as Chairman of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, I set up a Health Sector Council. That did good work, under Dr Narme Wickremesinghe, but when I was sacked it, though it did much for nursing and pharmacology, lost interest in the counseling component of its brief, and Sally and her great friend Kusala Wettasinghe ceased to go to meetings. And since I lost my position on the National Education Commission, the efforts I had been making through the Sub-Committee on General Education to develop counseling in schools also came to naught.

But when I reflect on the failure of these efforts, I think too of the great work done by private initiatives, and how the intensity of Sally’s commitment has made such a difference to so many. This year, seeing the work of the centres at Hendala and at Kahatagasdigiliya, and the devotion of the staff to her memory, I was struck again by the way she transformed her passion for social welfare into practical support for so many. She will be greatly missed by hundreds outside the charmed circle in which she was born.

Rajiva Wijesinha

Opinion

Blueprint for economic empowerment in Sri Lanka’s gig economy

Published

3 days ago

2024/12/5

Sahan Weerasooriya

“Creating 300,000 Online Jobs:

By Dammike Kobbekaduwe,
FIPM (SL), Member-CIPM-SL, MBA(HRM)

Objectives of the Article

Assess

the viability and economic impact of creating 300,000 online jobs in Sri Lanka.

Present

a bankable business plan for investment support from financial institutions.

Outline

a detailed cost-benefit analysis, supported by viability ratios for funding eligibility.

Establish

a sustainable financial and operational model for building a skilled gig workforce.

Sri Lanka’s gig economy presents a compelling solution for youth employment, targeting 300,000 online jobs for young people, particularly those who completed GCE OL. With a goal of generating substantial monthly income streams, this project seeks to address the country’s economic challenges and stimulate growth through digital employment. While a monthly earning a realistic starting income of $300–$500 is achievable and scalable, infusing approximately $50 million monthly into the economy once the workforce reaches full capacity.

To ensure financial viability and attract investment, we conduct a comprehensive economic analysis. This document highlights key investment metrics, including viability ratios, projected cash flow, and a cost-benefit breakdown to support the proposal as a bankable doEconomic Analysis and Viability

This project’s financial feasibility and appeal for funding rely on assessing profitability and return potential. Calculations are based on the cost of infrastructure, worker setup costs, and recurring expenses.

1. Capital and Operational Costs

Capital Setup Per Worker

Laptop (16GB RAM):

LKR 300,000 (one-time purchase)

Data Plan:

LKR 8,000 per month

Electricity:

LKR 8,000 per month (solar option as a long-term cost-saving measure)

Annual Cost Per Worker

One-time Equipment Cost:

LKR 300,000

Recurring Monthly Costs:

LKR 192,000 (LKR 16,000 x 12)

Total Yearly Cost Per Worker

Year 1:

LKR 492,000

Year 2+ (Excluding Laptop):

LKR 192,000 per year

Total Initial Investment for 300,000 Workers

Laptops:

LKR 90 billion

Year 1 Recurring Costs:

LKR 57.6 billion

Initial Year Investment Requirement:

LKR 147.6 billion

2. Projected Revenue and Cash Injection

A monthly earning potential of $300–$500 per worker in Sri Lanka’s gig market (based on average entry-level online job earnings globally) provides realistic targets for cash generation.

Monthly Cash Injection at Full Capacity

Minimum Revenue Goal (300,000 workers at $300):

$90 million/month

Maximum Revenue Goal (300,000 workers at $500):

$150 million/month

Expected Economic Contribution:

$50 million/month as a sustainable average.

3. Viability Ratios and Business Metrics

To validate the project’s financial health, banks and investors can consider the following key metrics:

A. Return on Investment (ROI)

The ROI assesses the profitability relative to costs.

See FIG 1

For Year 1 (Initial setup + recurring costs):

Total Annual Revenue:

$90 million * 12 months * 300,000 = LKR 324 billion (at $300/month per worker) See FIG 2

Interpretation:

A 119.5% ROI suggests strong profitability, with returns significantly outpacing the initial investment within the first year, making it attractive for lenders and investors.

B. Break-even Point (BEP)

The BEP indicates when revenue will cover initial costs.

See FIG 3

For a $50 million monthly injection:

Interpretation: A break-even within three months reflects a rapid recovery period, underscoring the project’s viability. See FIG 4

C. Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)

To ensure sufficient earnings to cover debt obligations, DSCR is critical for bank funding. See FIG 5

Assuming monthly operating income of LKR 3.24 billion and an estimated debt service of LKR 1.5 billion:

Interpretation:

With a DSCR above 2, the project is well-positioned for loan approval, demonstrating strong debt repayment capacity. See FIG 6

Implementation Plan for the National Gig Workforce

Phase 1: Training and Equipment Setup

Digital Literacy Programs:

Partner with local institutions to offer foundational training.

Laptop Financing:

Government-backed financing for laptops and solar installations for sustainable power solutions.

Phase 2: Skill Development and Placement

Skill Development Centers:

Partner with international e-learning platforms and host training boot camps.

Placement Programs:

Establish online job-matching platforms to connect workers with international clients.

Phase 3: Scaling and Economic Integration

Tax Incentives:

Offer tax breaks to local businesses hiring from the gig workforce.

Freelancer Support Network:

Create a national freelancer association for continued training and mentorship.

Resources Required For Workers:

Training:

Digital and language skills to enter global markets.

Equipment:

Laptops with financing options.

Connectivity:

Affordable data plans or subsidies.

For Stakeholders:

Government Initiatives:

Funding for training and incentives.

Private-Sector Partnerships: Skill development programs and job portals.

Financial Institutions: Loan products tailored for workers’ needs.

Conclusion

This plan offers a scalable solution to Sri Lanka’s unemployment crisis, particularly for young people with limited formal education. By creating 300,000 online jobs and targeting a monthly cash inflow of $50 million, the initiative supports economic resilience while empowering youth with valuable skills. A financial model based on solid viability ratios makes this project attractive to lenders, ensuring a rapid return on investment and sustainable growth.

References

International Labour Organization. (2023). The Gig Economy: Opportunities and Challenges for Youth Employment in Developing Economies. Available at: https://www.ilo.org/

Upwork. (2023). Freelancer Earnings and Trends Report. Available at: https://www.upwork.com/research

World Bank. (2022). Digital Jobs and Economic Growth:

A Guide for Developing Nations. Washington, DC: World Bank Publications.

Fiverr. (2023). Freelancer Earnings and Skill Development:

A Global Perspective. Available at: https://www.fiverr.com/research

Coursera. (2023). Skill Trends in the Digital Economy:

A Report on Online Education in Emerging Markets. Available at: https://www.coursera.com/research

Sri Lanka Department of Census and Statistics. (2023). Youth Unemployment and Educational Attainment: Annual Report.

Opinion

Hospitals and corruption

Published

3 days ago

2024/12/5

Sahan Weerasooriya

On December 2, in The Island Cassandra CRY saw the state of hospitals and corruption as separate issues, but I believe they are deeply interconnected. The dismal condition of hospitals is a direct consequence of systemic corruption. Over the past several decades, trade unions, driven by self-interest, have focused solely on advocating for their members’ rights, often at the expense of their responsibilities. This trend has affected not only hospitals but also other government and some private sector institutions.

Currently, the country is led by a political party that has heavily relied on its trade unions for promotion and political gain. Given this close relationship, restoring order should be relatively straightforward. A simple directive from the relevant ministers to their allied union leaders could be enough to initiate meaningful reforms.

S K Muthukumara