News

Reopening now will paralyse the healthcare system – SLMC

Published

5 years ago

2021/06/4

Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) yesterday said that it was too early to see a visible impact of the lockdown on the healthcare system and opening the country at this juncture would invariably facilitate the spread of the infection leading to increasing number of cases that in turn would cause a complete paralysis of the healthcare system.

In a letetr to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the SLMC has added that it is of the opinion that the vaccination strategy as implemented at present is flawed and needs a composite review urgently. In a setting particularly troubled by a continuous short supply of vaccines, SLMA emphasized the need for an efficient vaccination strategy, which targeting high-risk groups to achieve maximum control which would avoid the necessity for repeated lockdowns.

Given below is SLMC’s letter to the President:

“The SLMA is ever grateful to Your Excellency and the Government of Sri Lanka for declaring a “lockdown” (restriction of movement throughout the country) at the most crucial hour, which essentially salvaged Sri Lanka from getting into the abyss of a major catastrophe; a breakdown of the healthcare system of the country which in turn would have led to a breakdown of all systems.

“I, along with the SLMA Committee to advice on matters related to COVID 19, wish to bring to your kind attention the following important facts with regard to controlling of COVID-19 epidemic in Sri Lanka. In addition to the SLMA Council members and the members of the Intercollegiate Committee, Professor Neelika Malavige, Professor Malik Peiris and Professor Kamini Mendis, Contributed to the discussion.

“I. Recommendation with regard to the continuation of the lockdown

“We gathered information from consultants working in clinical settings and laboratories to find out the current usage of the capacity of the health care system

“a. Physicians indicated that the brunt of the outbreak is now concentrated in the main hospitals and all wards are well over their full capacity with symptomatic patients. There are many COVID patients as floor-patients in medical wards.

“b. Information from the ICUs indicated that other than the dedicated 82 ICU beds, another lot of about 70 more patients are treated in ordinary ICUs at the time of discussion. This situation compromises the care given for patients with Non-COVID issues. There are about 500 more patients on oxygen therapy, treated in High Dependency Units.

“c. Consultants from laboratories indicated the same or higher rates of PCR positivity despite overall PCR positive numbers remain same, when compared to previous weeks.

“This information confirms that hospitals are overwhelmed with cases. As expected, it is too early to see a visible impact of the lockdown on the healthcare system. Opening the country at this juncture would invariably facilitate the spread of the infection leading to increasing number of cases that in turn would cause a complete paralysis of the healthcare system. As such. while we are convinced of the benefits of the lockdown to the healthcare system. we are compelled to recommend a further extension of the lockdown by at least another week. Keeping grocery shops opened may facilitate compliance by the public with a longer lockdown.

“2. The need to review the vaccination programme

“We are appreciative of the decision taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to vaccinate healthcare officials and other frontline workers Such as the police. the tri-forces etc. initially with the highest priority.

However, we are of the opinion that the vaccination strategy as implemented at present is flawed and needs a composite review urgently. In a setting particularly troubled by a continuous short supply of vaccines, we emphasize the need for an efficient vaccination strategy, which targeting high-risk groups to achieve maximum control which would avoid the necessity for repeated lockdowns.

“In cognizance with the data available from the rest of the world, the death analysis of patients front the MoH, Sri Lanka, indicates that 73% of deaths occur in people over 60 years of age and 83% of deaths were in people with co-morbidities. Research findings have clearly demonstrated that vaccination reduces deaths and complications in patients infected with COVID-19. Research evidence does riot support benefits of vaccination to reduce transmission of infection unless a large majority of the population is vaccinated. As such, there is clear and compelling evidence to support prioritisation of vaccination of older adults more than 60 years, followed by people with comorbidities in the age group of 30 – 60 years. However, there is no appreciable benefit in vaccinating people with the highest mobility in so-called hotspots, as is currently carried out in the Sri Lankan setting.

“Furthermore, we emphasize the need of a definitive roadmap providing priority of vaccination in certain geographical locations. Presence of a roadmap would help in gaining the confidence of our people on the vaccination programme. Selection of Grama Niladhari divisions of high-risk locations for vaccination cannot be recommended as the infection would have already spread and the majority would have developed immunity by the time the vaccination programme is carried out. The opinion of experts with regard to selecting the geographical location is to select high-risk provinces or districts and to vaccinate high risk people in crowded areas such as main cities in those selected provinces or districts. An equal amount of vaccines could also be given to hospitals to immunize high-risk people with comorbidities. Along with vaccinating high-risk persons. people working in higher numbers in enclosed areas with longer essential congregate shifts in economic hubs and other essential congregate settings also could be prioritized.

“We urge the Government of Sri Lanka to provide a solution to the 600,000 people awaiting the second dose of the Covishield vaccine as early as possible. We see that offering them the first dose of Sputnik V following a quick clinical trial of the efficacy of such a manoeuvre as a reasonable option to solve the issue. Monitoring antibody levels 2 weeks following vaccination with Sputnik V in about 100 people who have had the 1st dose of Covishield vaccine may provide a reasonable answer to this question. The importance of documenting the adverse effects during such a clinical trial also needs to be emphasized.

“Further, we wish to highlight the need in future to reserve the second dose in instances where a second dose is in the schedule.

“3. Reporting meaningful data

“We understand that the primary role of the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health is surveillance and reporting the data in a meaningful manner to facilitate the decision – making process aimed at mitigating the outbreak.

“We would like to inquire from the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health as to whether they have data regarding PCR positivity rates in factories that are kept open, in case a necessity arises to advise the Government in this regard?

“There had been a significant reduction of the number of PCR tests carried out over the last two weeks. We understand that the majority of reported PCRs are exit-PCBs that do not measure the extent of transmission in the community. Unless PCRs are carried out proactively. it is likely that the usefulness of the results of analysis of samples with a majority of exit-PCRs will remain low despite the disease spreading rapidly. Similarly, unless the disaggregated test results based on context categories and geographical locations are analysed, the inference made by all PCRs together is likely to be most erroneous.

“We are informed by one or our experts, Professor Kamini Mendis that they are in the process of compiling a document giving important surveillance indicators. We urge the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health to pay more attention to the surveillance indicators and present the data of relevant indicators to arrive at meaningful decisions.”

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Govt. urged to take action against deputy minister

Published

11 hours ago

2025/12/15

Sahan Weerasooriya

Ajith / Eranga

Allegation of doing business with state:

Civil society activist Oshala Herath has said that regardless of the political party one represents, all members of Parliament should abide by the law of the land. Herath said so when The Island sought his response to a report that he was planning to move court against Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, accused of holding the top positions at Omobio (Pvt.) and Eimsky Business Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd., at the time of the nominations, and took oaths as a National List MP of the NPP government.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is the Minister of Digital Economy, in addition to being Minister of Defence and Finance.

Herath is the Chairman of Abhinawa Niwahal Peramuna. Herath, whose legal challenge to SJB MP Diana Gamage over her citizenship issue, led to her removal from Parliament by the Supreme Court on 08 May, last year. He said the latest case underscored the responsibility on the part of political parties to ensure transparency in the nomination process as well as in the finalisation of National List.

Herath pointed out that the court rulings on petitions filed by him against two serving MPs were pending. He moved court against Jaffna District Independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna for handing over nominations to contest the 2024 November parliamentary elections without resigning from his post as a government medical officer. He also moved court against Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage, alleging that he had been an employee of the University of Ruhuna at the time he was declared an MP and subsequently appointed as a Cabinet Minister.

Our efforts to contact Deputy Minister Weeraratne were in vain. Our calls went unanswered.

Pointing out that there were many attorneys-at-law in the current Parliament, Herath emphasised the responsibility on their part to take up the issue. The Speaker should, on his own, inquire into such allegations in addition to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee stepping in, Herath said. Responding to another query, Herath said that such violations as well as cases of conflict of interests were far more serious than the recent controversy over NPP National List MP Asoka Ranwala’s educational qualifications.

SJB MP Ajith P. Perera told The Island that the Deputy Minister concerned admitted in Parliament that he had held top posts in the companies mentioned at the time he took oaths as an MP. Therefore, there couldn’t be any ambiguity with regard to his fault. Perera said that the conflict of interest issue involving NPPer was far more serious.

Referring to the issue at hand that had been first raised by SJB lawmaker Amila Prasad Siriwardena in Parliament during committee stage of the debate on the 2026 Budget, Attorney-at-Law Perera said that Weeraratne’s companies were engaged in mega business deals with the government. Declaring that they had secured contracts for government projects since 2019, Perera said that one of the companies Weeraratne was involved in had recently won a major contract from the incumbent government regarding the electronic ticketing system.

Kalutara District MP called for a comprehensive inquiry into the issue as the NPP had come to power, accusing all other political parties of waste, corruption, irregularities and mismanagement of state funds. MP Perera queried whether the current dispensation followed proper procedures in selecting Weeraratne’s company for the ticketing project

Both Herath and Perera urged the JVP and NPP to look into what they called the Weeraratne affair.

Over the years, several MPs had been disqualified to hold parliamentary seats. Dr. Rajitha Senaratne is one of them. When the Court of Appeal dismissed Dr. Senaratne from Parliament for being a supplier to the government, Ranil Wickremesinghe brought him back to Parliament, through the National List.

MP Perera said that since the last parliamentary election, the NPP had been embroiled in many controversies, including the release of 323 containers from the Colombo Port, in January this year, followed by signing of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)/agreements with India in April.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

News

India sends stock of life-saving medicines

Published

11 hours ago

2025/12/15

Sahan Weerasooriya

Misri with Colonne

The government has appealed to India for immediate help to overcome the serious shortage of life-saving drugs and injections.

The Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi confirmed the appeal made by the government. The following is the text of statement issued by the Sri Lankan mission in New Delhi: “The Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri, over the weekend handed over a consignment of urgently required essential medicines to Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, in New Delhi. The assistance, extended in response to a request from the Government of Sri Lanka, forms part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, India’s humanitarian mission supporting Sri Lanka’s relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah.

The consignment consists of over 400 boxes of life-saving medicines and injections, which will be airlifted to Colombo by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft, alongside further additional relief assistance from India.

Deputy Indian High Commissioner Pandey shaking hands with Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa

Foreign Secretary Misri reiterated the condolences of the Government and people of India for the tragic loss of lives and the extensive damage to infrastructure caused by the Cyclone. He reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s immediate humanitarian needs as well as rebuilding and reconstruction efforts. He also highlighted India’s readiness to work with Sri Lanka on a mix of initiatives tailored to the needs of affected communities.

High Commissioner Colonne conveyed the sincere appreciation of the President, Government, and people of Sri Lanka for India’s timely, continuous, and sustained support, and handed over to the Foreign Secretary, a letter of gratitude from the President of Sri Lanka to the Prime Minister of India.

Describing the extensive nature of the damage, the High Commissioner appreciated the ongoing and consistent engagement of the Indian High Commission in Colombo, in collaboration with government officials and local authorities in coordinating relief, rescue, and recovery efforts.

SLAF personnel unloading medicine from IAF transport plane

The High Commissioner also requested India’s support in sharing its expertise and leadership in enhancing disaster-response capabilities and disaster-resilience frameworks, especially lessons from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, both globally recognized for their advanced disaster resilience frameworks. Apart from this support that is under discussion, the New Delhi-based Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has also been requested to undertake a visit to Sri Lanka to explore avenues for strengthening Sri Lanka’s disaster resilient infrastructure capacities. Noting the importance of having an effective and real-time warning system, efforts are being made to deploy a team to explore the establishment of an early warning system that would provide real-time geo-targeted alerts to citizens.

The High Commissioner reiterated Sri Lanka’s gratitude to the Government and people of India for their continued solidarity under Operational Sagar Bandhu, reaffirming the strength of the longstanding partnership between the two nations.”

News

George Keyt Foundation contributes to national disaster relief efforts

Published

11 hours ago

2025/12/15

Sahan Weerasooriya

(L-R): The donation was handed to Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya by Professor Jagath Weerasinghe (Trustee), Suresh Dominic (Treasurer), Malaka Talwatte (Chairman) and Abbas Esufally (Trustee) of the George Keyt Foundation.

The George Keyt Foundation (GKF) has extended meaningful support to the Government of Sri Lanka’s disaster relief efforts following the severe devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The text of the press release issued by the GKF: “In 2023, the Foundation undertook its first major fundraiser in recent years by issuing 30 numbered limited edition prints of Kangodi Rangi, a painting by George Keyt entrusted to the Foundation. Twenty-eight prints were acquired by donors to support charitable causes, while another was gifted to the President’s collection. Print Number 1 of 30 was retained to support the Foundation’s long-term priorities.

In light of the unprecedented impact of Cyclone Ditwah and the urgent national need for disaster assistance, the trustees unanimously resolved to seek a donor for Print Number 1 of 30, with clear disclosure that the proceeds would be channeled directly to the Government’s disaster relief programme. This appeal received an immediate response, resulting in a private donation of Rs. 3 million.

The contribution was formally handed over to Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya for utilisation in the Government’s ongoing relief and recovery efforts.

The George Keyt Foundation is honoured to support the people of Sri Lanka at this critical moment and reaffirms its commitment to serving national needs while preserving and promoting the artistic legacy of George Keyt.