News
Super spread possibility even with a lockdown
By Rathindra Kuruwita
A rapid spread of Covid-19 was a possibility even while the country was under a lockdown, Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, Dr. Mahen Kothalawala told The Island yesterday.
Police stations, Army barracks and camps, garment factories, some banks and government offices and hospitals continued to function during lockdowns, Dr. Kothalawala said, adding that those were sites where the next big outbreak could take place.
“More than a lockdown, what we need to do is to categorise people and make them follow specific guidelines. For example we have to identify elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions; they must not leave home. Those working at possible Covid-19 hotspots must wear masks and follow all other health guidelines at home.
Dr. Kothalawala said that comorbidity and the virus load would be the main reasons for getting infected and having complications. If people wear masks even at home the virus load delivered will be low. Dr. Kothalawala added that all those who could work from home too must be encouraged to do so.
“People who work in hotspots must wear good quality masks. Health professionals use the N95 masks that provide protection against droplets. If we can produce good reusable masks similar to the N 95 for about Rs. 40 that would seal the nose and the mouth and are comfortable to wear and make people wear them, it would be better than a lockdown,” he said.
Dr. Kothalawala said that a hotline should be established to help people get PCRs and other medical advice. PCR testing should be done at targeted areas given capacity issues, he added.
“Unfortunately, people are relying solely on the vaccine. Don’t get me wrong, the vaccine is very important but it is a long term solution. We need to give the jab to about 14 million people and as it is we can only administer about 50,000 doses per week. At that rate it will take around nine months to complete the vaccination drive.”
Police and armed forces personnel will be deployed at all churches today as the sixth anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks is marked.Police stations have been instructed to provide special security to churches in their areas and seek assistance from the STF and tri-forces where additional manpower is needed.
Security arrangements have been made under the direction of Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya.
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyakontha convened a special meeting on Thursday, instructing the Commanders of the Tri-Forces to implement a comprehensive security plan to safeguard worshippers attending Easter Sunday services.
He further directed that the measures be taken in close coordination with the Ministry of Public Security to ensure effective implementation and to allow Christians to attend services without fear or inconvenience.The main commemoration service is set to begin with a procession from St. Lucia’s Cathedral at 7:00 a.m., with participation from Catholics
in nearby parishes—particularly from Colombo Central, Colombo North, Wattala, and Ragama—as well as brothers from junior and national seminaries, priests, and religious leaders. Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith is expected to conduct the prayer service, which is scheduled to begin at 8:40 a.m.
A separate commemoration will also take place at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, in two sessions—one at 8:30 a.m. and another at 4:30 p.m.
By Norman Palihawadane
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka says that ascertaining who the perpetrators of the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019 were and those who have aided and abetted in the dastardly act, is a matter of urgency.
In its special message for Easter the conference says: “This Easter also marks the sixth anniversary of the Easter Sunday bomb attacks on innocent worshipers at Catholic and other Christian Churches and in other places in 2019, causing death and injuries to hundreds of people. In this regard, we observe that certain positive steps have been taken by the present government to ensure an independent and impartial inquiry into this brutal attack.
While we appreciate the efforts made so far, we insist that as a matter of urgency and justice, the final aim of the inquiries should be to ascertain who the perpetrators are and those who have aided and abetted in the dastardly act.
We shall continue to pray earnestly for wisdom and courage for the leaders of our country, as well as solace and healing for the victims,” the message signed by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka, Bishop Harold Anthony Perera and Secretary General Bishop Anthony Jayakody said.
A new bill has been drafted to abolish the controversial Online Safety law passed by the previous government.
A gazette notification, announcing “Bill to Repeal the Online Safety Act No. 09 of 2024”, has been issued.
The bill has been presented as a Private Member’s Bill by MP Ravi Karunanayake.
By Akitha Perera
Sixth anniversary of Easter Sunday carnage: Special security provided to churches
Easter Sunday carnage: Catholic Bishops’ Conference renews call for justice
Bill to abolish Online Safety law gazetted
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