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.”
News
Employees’ Trust Fund Act No. 46 of 1980 to be amended

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies to instruct the legal draftsman to prepare a bill to amend the Employees’ Trust Provident Fund Act No. 46 of 1980 enabling to provide health insurance similar to Agrahara health insurance to private sector employees.
News
Cabinet nod for MOU between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives on Cultural Cooperation

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural affairs to sign a cultural cooperation agreement between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Maldives. (The draft agreement has received the clearance of the Attorney General and the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
News
Outgoing Bulgarian Ambassador calls on the President

Mrs. Eleonora Dimitrova, Bulgaria’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, met President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (06), before departing for her home country upon completing her tenure in Sri Lanka.
-
News6 days ago
NPP for implementation of 13A, says Harini
-
News7 days ago
Ex-diplomat alleges Australian aid project sabotaged, points finger at Medical Supplies Division
-
Midweek Review7 days ago
GR’s exit and developing crisis: Different interpretations
-
Breaking News5 days ago
President Ranil Wickremasinghe calls upon chief prelates of Asgiriya and Malwatta chapters
-
News6 days ago
Nuland accuses China of failing to help SL with ‘credible and specific assurances’ acceptable to IMF
-
News7 days ago
Full implementation of 13A: NFF vows to torpedo Ranil’s move, asks Dinesh, Mahinda to disclose their stance
-
Business5 days ago
Dialog Enterprise partners with Fortinet to launch Next-Generation Firewall as a Service in Sri Lanka
-
Editorial6 days ago
When ambition overtakes reality