News
Dr. Sudarshini believes Covid-19 vaccine should be made mandatory
By Shamindra Ferdinando
State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle said that the Covid-19 vaccine should be made mandatory for all Sri Lankans.
Dr. Fernandopulle said so when The Island asked her whether the country struggling to cope up with the raging Covid-19 epidemic should introduce laws to make Covid-19 vaccination compulsory for all. The State Minister’s view was sought in the wake of Sergeant-at-Arms of Parliament Narendra Fernando’s declaration that MPs as well as the parliamentary staff could opt not to take the vaccine.
The Sgt.-at-Arms said that about a dozen lawmakers of the 225-member Parliament hadn’t received the vaccine though arrangements were made for them to receive jab at the Military Hospital, Narahenpita or Parliament.
Sri Lanka uses AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Moderna, Sputnik and Pfizer in its vaccination programme with China produced Sinopharm being the major vaccine available here accounting for about 80 per cent of all anti-covid vaccinations.
Responding to another query, Dr. Fernandopulle said that the Covid Task Force chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would have to decide on making the vaccination compulsory. Dr. Fernandopulle stressed the importance of receiving whatever the available vaccine.
The Island learns that the issue had been brought to the notice of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday. Authoritative sources said that the government was convinced by mid-September a significant number of Sri Lankans would receive both vaccines thanks to tireless efforts made by health workers and the armed forces.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is of the view that instead of a ‘lockdown’, stringent measures were necessary to control people’s movements. Sources said that in spite of a spate of reports pertaining to impending ‘lockdown’ the top decision makers ruled that out.
Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) lawmakers Mujibur Rahman (Colombo District) and Rohini Kaviratne (Matale district) said that the vaccination emerged as the primary safeguard against the epidemic. Therefore, the people had no option but to receive vaccines depending on the availability, they said, urging the government to take the overall situation into consideration without depending entirely on the vaccination programme.
MP Rahman said that he received the vaccine at an SLAF base recently in Colombo, whereas MP Kaviratne said she received hers at the Parliament. Lawmaker Rahman said that he had been compelled to delay taking the vaccine on medical advice. The former UNP MP tested Covid positive on May 19th.
Lawmaker Kaviratne emphasized that the government was answerable to the people. Referring to recent declaration by Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella that once the government vaccinated the people the rest would be up to the gods, MP Kaviratne said that the SLPP received two mandates in 2019 and 2020 at the presidential and parliamentary polls, respectively. Therefore, it would be the SLPP government’s responsibility, she said, urging government spokespersons not to involve the powers above in the matter.
The MP recalled how at the onset of the Covid triggered crisis the government promoted so-called miracle covid tonic known as Dammika Paniya and engaged in all sorts of superstitious nonsense at the public expense.
Responding to another query, MP Kaviratne said that she received Sinopharm along with some members of the Parliamentary staff. “I never bothered about any particular vaccine though I delayed taking it until the vaccination got underway in Matale district,” MP Kaviratne said.
Meanwhile, Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardena has called for an urgent meeting on Monday (16) under Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena’s leadership to discuss the current situation. Sources speculated that with the increased threat posed by Covid-19 the party leaders were likely to cancel scheduled sittings beginning August 17 (Tuesday) to Friday.
The Ceylon Electricity Board has appealed to all rooftop solar owners across the country to voluntarily switch off their solar systems during day time hours (until 3pm each day) from April 13th to 21st to prevent partial power outages or nationwide blackouts which may occur.
The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the people of Sri Lanka should no longer be burdened by conflict and the Government remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the country, with the government and the public service must discharge their duties to meet the needs of the people.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing public gatherings held in Velanai, Nallur, and Vadamarachchi.
The Prime Minister said that:
“There are numerous issues regarding infrastructure development in the Northern Province ranging from roads, drinking water supply, agriculture, and unemployment, to education and health sectors.
Many of these development tasks fall under the responsibility of local governments and provincial councils that represents your areas. However, these responsibilities have not been properly discharged.
While it is said that the issues raised in the North and East were caused by the war, 16 years have passed since the end of the war. What real change has taken place? Have the lives of the people in these areas has improved?
Although the central government allocates funds to provincial governing bodies, there should be a transparent mechanism in place to ensure that these funds are properly utilized for the relevant projects.
On May 6th, you will hold the decisive right to elect the local government closest to you that will work to uplift your lives and develop your communities. Elect representatives who are committed to serving the people, and free of fraud and corruption.
The government is actively participating in lifting the country from its fallen state and to overcome the current economic challenges. We accept that there is a long way to go. The prices of goods are still high but the government is currently working towards a change, and the people will receive the benefits in the near future.
Measures have been taken to increase the basic salary of public servants from this year’s Budget. The public service must commit to discharging duties with dedication. This must be not only a people’s government, but also a public service that belongs to the people.
Even after the independence, this country has seen much bloodshed and conflict. The people have suffered greatly as a result. The government is determined to ensure that such a situation never arises again. Therefore, the government is committed to fostering peace within the country.”
The event was attended by Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar, along with several Members of Parliament and local representatives in the North.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
A meeting organized by the National Initiative for Research & Development Commercialization (NIRDC) was held on Thursday (10) at the Presidential Secretariat to streamline and commercialize research and development activities in the defence sector.
Participating institutions included the Centre for Defence Research and Development under the Ministry of Defence, the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and the Research and Development Division of the Sri Lanka Police.
The NIRDC Unit, established under the Presidential Secretariat, aims to accelerate national development by facilitating investment opportunities to commercially apply completed or nearing completion research projects from both public and private institutions.
Defence institutions play a critical role for the progress of technology and science in relation to national security and development. Acknowledging this importance, the meeting was chaired by Senior Advisor to the President on Science and Technology, Professor Gomika Udugamasuriya.
During the meeting, it was discussed in detail regarding the completed and on-going research and development projects within the defence sector, as well as those planned for the future. Special attention was given to identifying opportunities for collaboration among research and development units, enhancing innovation capabilities, and exploring ways to share resources effectively.
The discussion focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration between research and development units relevant to these sectors, enhancing innovation capabilities and exploring ways to share resources effectively. It also examined possible steps to strengthen coordination between civil and defence research institutions. The discussion concluded productively, with several innovations identified that have the potential for future commercialization.
The event was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Finance and Economic Affairs) . Russel Aponsu, NIRDC Director General Dr. Muditha D. Senarath Yapa, Director (Investments) . Idunil Gunathilaka along with other officials.
[PMD]
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