BY A.A.M.NIZAM – MATARA
We Sri Lankan should feel fortunate to have an altruistic, utterly-patriotic. determined, and iron-willed President at a time when the whole world is gripped with the deadly Corona pandemic. When this epidemic erupted in Wuhan in China’s Hubei province and was spreading very fast to countries beyond China our futuristic visionary President took immediate action on 27th January to form an all-embracing Task Force comprising the tri-forces, the civil protection forces. The health sector establishment personnel, the Police, the officials of the strategic services, the provincial, district, regional administrators, Samurdhi, and Grama Sevaka services officials and entrusted them the joint and individual tasks that needed to be undertaken to save the people from the epidemic.
Incidentally, on the same day 27th January, the first Corona infected patient of this country, a 44-year-old female Chinese tourist was found and she was admitted to the IDH hospital for treatment. The Task Force made all arrangements necessary for establishing 45 quarantine centers with proper guidance from the health service personnel, army personnel constructed several extension units to hospitals, the Police mapped out operational plans to be undertaken under Curfew and other sectors also got in readiness to undertake their tasks. However, there was no patient-reported for the whole month of February, which gave ample time for the Task Force to get properly established. The first local patient, a tourist guide serving for Italian tourists, was reported only on 11th February. Subsequent detections were all from people who have arrived from Iran, Italy, India, and South Korea and tourist guides who have served foreign tourists. (Please refer to a detailed description of how potential patients were traced, quarantined, and cured outlined by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defense Major General (Rtd) Kamal Gunaratne in an interview with Derana TV – highlights of the interview translated into English follows)at the tail-end of this article.)
In the meantime, the President who was very much concerned about the people’s hardships under the curfew, established another all-embracing Task Force, headed by the former Minister of Economic Development Mr.Basil Rajapaksa to provide redress to the people. Among the functions undertaken by this Task Force included ensuring an uninterrupted and adequate supply of food, medicine, and other essential items to the people throughout the country, farmers provided with adequate fertilizer and another utensil, ensure rice, vegetables, fruits, eggs, and other farm products are purchased by government authorities for distribution at concessionary prices and for free distribution for destitute people, prevent high jacking of prices by middlemen, ensure transport of these items to all over the country, ensure the distribution of Rs. 5000 /- per month distress allowance to the needy families, to prevent hoarding, creating artificial shortages and shooting up of prices by unscrupulous traders, etc.
The people throughout the country belonging to
all walks of life, all ethnicities and all religions appreciating the efforts
being taken by the government to save the people and curb the spread of the
virus joined hands with the government efforts by making enormous sacrifices
and foregoing many of their activities.
Buddhists refrained from visiting temples on Bak and Wesak Full Moon Poya days to offer various poojas, observing Sil at temple premises, listening to overnight pirith and Poya Day Damma sermons at temples. Instead, they performed all these activities including offering Aamisa and Prathipatti poojas in their houses. There were no Pandols, Dansals, and other roadside and public places Wesak illuminations but they carried out these activities in their home gardens and decorated their houses. There were no Wesak tour bus services and community tours to prominent temples including Sri Pada, Sri Maha Boduya and Sri Dalada Maligawa.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations faded into inhouse events. There were no crackers, no cross country races, no pillow fights, no pol pora events, no climbing of greased poles, no swimming and boat roving contests, no chariot (thirikkal) races, no coconut scraping and weaving of thatches, no breaking of pot by the blind, no placing of the eye for elephant by the blind, no search for the hidden guest, no spoon and lemon and gunny bag races, no bun eating and bursting of balloon contests, no selection of New Year Queen or Avurudu Kumarata to name a few traditional events. Kevum, Kokis, and other food items were prepared for the consumption of family members. There were no oil annointing functions at the village or area temples and it was done in the houses itself by the elders. Even money transactions known has Ganu Denu were carried out among family members.
It was reported that President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa did not visit his ancestral home, Medamulana this year to celebrate New Year with his brothers, family members, relations and villagers and instead, he held several meetings in Colombo to review progress and shortcomings to Coerona arrest, food and medicine distributions, curfew control by the Police and other contingencies. It was also reported that the President donated his salary for three months to the Virus Control Fund and a cheque amounting to Rs. 292,5000 in this respect was handed over to his private secretary P.B.Jayasundera to deposit in the Fund.
The Christians too gave up many traditional religious observances and commemorations performed at the Churches including visiting churches for Sunday mass, observing Lent, Maundy Thursday, Goof Friday, and Easter Sunday commemorations and instead they were held at their residences. There was also no staging of crucifixion displays and pandols displaying Jesus Christ’sresurrection.
Muslims
rescind from attending Friday Jumma congregational prayers and the five times a
day congregational prayers at mosques and many social and community activities
related to the Holy month of Ramadan and performed such activities individually
in their residences. The activities
included performance of long hours congregational night prayers Tharaweeh by
men and woman, performance of congregational Qiyam ul Lail prayers after
midnight during the last 10 days of Ramadan and congregational pre-dawn Thajjud
prayers in the mosques. There were no whole night congregational prayers and
supplications on the 27th day of Ramadan called Lailathul Qadr, the
blessed night, holding community Ifthar
breakfasts, group Ifthars in mosques, group recital of Holy Quran called Hizb
at mosques after Tharaweeh prayers, visiting friends houses for Tharaweeh
snacks and drinking sherbeths etc.
Tamils
too did not have any communal public functions in respect of the New Year, and
refrained from holding Sivarathri poojas at kovils, and holding Ther (chariot)
processions and offered all their poojas individually in their residences
without going to Kovils.
Many
philanthropists also came forward to offer considerable assistance to the Virus
control, programme. The business tycoon Dhammika Perera placed orders worth Rs.
29 Million for the import od several ventilators, ICU facilities and many
modern hospital beds. Mr. Dulith
Jayaweera, offered his 150 Roiom Citrus Hotel in Hikkaduwa with necessary
modifications to use as a quarantine centre, Hemas and John Keels also offered their
hotels in the Eastern province to be used as quarantine centres. Kalutara District MP Vidura Wickremanayake
and many others offered their ancestral bungalows to be used as quarantine
centres. Several Apparel industries, including Brandix changed their production
schedules to manufacture face masks and corona protection kits.
Several media institutions and civil service organizations made arrangements to distribute rice dry ration, vegetable, and fruit parcels to households in many areas.
However,
it is sad to note, that despite all sacrifices being made by people all over
the country devoid of ethnic and religious differences, the opposition
politicians in this country were the only disgraceful and loathsome ruffians in
the world who politicized the virus threat and wholeheartedly aspired for its
extensive escalation throughout the country in vicious anticipation of the
collapse and fall of the government and did not come forward even to offer a
bottle of water or a Maalupaan (fish bun) to the distressed people. They wanted Sri Lanka to become the worst
affected country in the world even surpassing the situation in their country of
mentors, America and Britain. They condemned all the gallant and splendid
measures being taken to combat the virus threat.
The
Chinese President Xi Jinpinh who sent several plane loads of face masks, corona
prevention kits, testing machines, disinfections and other equipment has
telephoned the President and commended the excellent and exemplary work being
carried out for combating the virus threat. He has said that China and Sri Lanka,
while ensuring COVID-19 prevention and control, should gradually resume
practical cooperation in various fields, advance major cooperation projects, in
an orderly manner, and promote the high-quality construction of the Belt and
Road initiative, and has added that such efforts would provide impetus for Sri
Lanka’s economic recovery.
Chinese news agency Xinhua
reported that Xi recalled that various sections of Sri Lankan society offered
China active support at a critical moment in China’s fight against the
coronavirus disease, with many moves particularly heart-warming and touching
measures. The report stated that the Chinese President noted that under
Gotabaya’s strong leadership, Sri Lanka had effectively contained the spread of
the epidemic, adding that China stood ready to continue to provide firm support
and as much assistance as its capacity allowed for the South Asian country in
line with its needs and expressed his confidence that the people of Sri Lanka
would certainly defeat the epidemic at an early date.
It said that Xi also thanked the Sri Lankan government and people for taking care of
Chinese citizens in their country, during the pandemic, and said the Chinese
side would continue to ensure the safety and health of Sri Lankan citizens on
its soil.
The Rodiya caste pseudo
Buddhist Pa.Cha.Ranawaka who has a record of joining political parties and
betraying them (For instance- JVP,Sinhala Urunaya, Hela Urumaya) and now in the
Shameless Jabbering Bandits (SJB) group attempting to become its deputy leader
bypassing founders such Harin Fernando, Mangala Samaraweera and Rahitha
Senaratne has been continuously critical of the government’s activities and
making hollow gallery talks similar to his political root fellows Jeppos
perhaps to get support from the politically infantile members of the Bandits
group. Statements that had been made by
this Rodiya caste nincompoop include that the government figures on Corona
Virus incorrect, Only President’s prime Minister’s family members and staff are
being thoroughly checked about virus infection, government deliberately
subjecting security forces to become virus infected victims. Another statement made by this nincompoop
was that the President had been an American citizen at the time of his election
and he should be forced to vacate the posy.
He got a thundering slap for this statement from the American Ambassador
Aliana B, Teplitz. She said that as per
their records Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa relinquished his American citizenship
from April 2019.
The imbecile ignoramus
self assumed leader of the Shameless Jabbering Bandits (SJB) Sajith Premadasa
has suggested that the government should suspend holding elections and that
expense should be used to pay the salaries of the servants. The firmer Minister
of Finince Mr, Ravi Karunanayake criticizing this statement which has exposed
Sajith Premadasa’s lacuna of economics has skinned him saying that several
times of the amount required for holding the election is required to pay public
servants salary. He has hinted that it
is better for Sajith Premadasa to refrain from talking about unknown economics.
The other morons who are
worried about the success being achieved by the government are the despicable
Jeppos. Belimal Ratnayake who had been
alleged to have functioned as a Gonibilla in 89-90 period and betrayed innocent
JVP supporters has said the Corona in African countries is less than in Sri
Lanka exposing his dimwit nature as it is only now the corona virus has entered
the African continent. In another
statement this blockhead has said that some mercenaries who are being paid by
the Rajapaksas were criticizing the JVP since they are he says a significant
force. On top of this his leader Mr. 3%
has accused that the President was not respecting the constitution and the
country is now in a lawless status.
Reopening the country
from 11th May by confining curfew only to Colombo and Gampaha
districts was a great success. The CGR
and the SLTB played significant roles in this measure. 10 office trains carrying public and private
sector staff arrived from Beliatte , Kandy and other destinations and there
were adequate SLTB bses to take them to their offices and work places. In the evening they were taken back to their homes
by return services. All measures had
been taken to disinfect the offices and work places by 10th May and
provide safety measures at work places.
Only wayside shops remained closed in these two districts but that too
are expected to be opened in this gradual process of reopening the country. The
CGR has also announced normal train services to be commenced from 18th
may.
Meanwhile, the State
Airlines, the Sri Lankan Airlines played a significant role by bringing back
stranded Sri Lankan students and public servants who were on training in
foreign countries. All those who were
brought in this manner wer subjected to disinfection and then ferried to
quarantine to undergo a minimum 14 days quarantine period. The airline has announced that its normal
services will start from the 18th May.
It was sad to note that
a meeting convened by the Prime Minister to enlighten the former
parliamentarians by the health service and security personnel on the measures
being taken to combat the virus threat, keep them advised about the current
situation and obtain their views and views and suggestions was boycotted by the
former parliamentarians of the opposition except by members of the TNA. After
the meeting the Prime Minister told the media that the boycott of the meeting
by the opposition displayed their utter disregard for the welfare and
protection of the people of this country.
The Educational, Health
and Security sectors are reported to be cautiously reviewing on the possibility
of reopening Universities and schools as they are very much concerned about the
vulnerability of students to the virus in a situation of difficulties to
maintain minimum distance requirements and other essential virus prevention
requirements. They are also reported to be planning to open this sector taking
into considerations the guidelines that had been issued by the WHO.
Meanwhile, all
arrangements have been made to commemorate the 11th Victory Day (on
19th May), celebration of which had been suspended since 2015 by the
terrorist servile and TNA obsessed Sirisena/Ranil government The function will
be held under the leadership of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Over
1,000 persommel belonging to all units of the security forces are to be
promoted on this day.
Major General
(Rtd) Kamal Gubaratne participating in the Derana 360 peogramme, interviewed by
veteran TV journalist Dilka Samanmalie said that when you have a determined
leadership to support, when you have the right dedicated personnel and when you
plan it properly there can be nothing that can prevent you from achieving your
objectives. He said that when the deadly
corona virus erupted in Wuhan in the Hubei province of China and was fast
spreading all over and beyond China and killing people the President took a
bold decision on 27th January that we should make all efforts to defeat
the virus and prevent the people of our country falling prey to it.
Accordingly, he formed a Task Force integrating the tri-forces, the health sector
personnel, the Police, the intelligence service units, the civil defense force,
officials of the strategic service departments, provincial, district and
regional departments and samurdhi service and grama seva department
officials.
Incidentally, the
first corona infected person from our country was reported on 28th
January that was a 44 year Chinese female tourist who was admitted to the IDH
Hospital. For the whole of February no
virus infected person was reported on 8th February and by that time
we were in full readiness on how to tackle the situation, on the mechanism to
be undertaken, roles to be played by the health service personnel, the
intelligence services and each and other allied services. We were fully
prepared. Then there were increase and decrease in the number of infected
persons.
He said that they
have full confidence that unlike America, United Kingdom. France, Italy, Spain
where thousands of people have died despite being the powerful, rich,
resourceful countries in the world. The
reason for that those countries completely entrusted the task of curbing the
spread of the virus. That was the
difference between the measures adopted by them and the measures being
undertaken by us. The Defense Secretary explained that it was a race between
the virus and us. The virus was running
fast but their forces ran faster ahead of the virus and took measures to curb
it. This was done by intelligence
gathered and identified on the potential areas of virus attacks and taking
action to combat it. That was why, he
said, that when all the powerful countries were genuflecting before the virus,
we proudly stood straight and firm. It
was possible because we as in developed countries did not palm it out only to
the health sector and said that the PHIs, MOHs and Nurses too rendered an
enormous contribution.
Major General
Gunaratne said that the first local patient was reported on March 8th
and today being May4th there had been only 7 corona virus deaths and the 8th
death reported on that had been due to renal disease. He said that this splendid achievement was
possible due to form leadership and guidance being given to them. He pointed out that there were many criticisms
from some politicians that we are putting patients in danger as we do not have
sufficient ICU facilities, He said that upto now only one patient has
been treated in the ICU. Countering an
allegation that had been made by former MP Patali Champika Ranawaka that the
country is being militarized under the guise of Corona eradication, the Major
General regretfully said it is sad to find some people expect the people of our
country expect the security forces to leave the citizens of this country die on
roads like cats and dogs.
Explaining about
the spread of the virus the Major General said that a priest from Switzerland
had cisited Jaffna and had held prayer
sessions for which many people have participated. The person who served acplyte of this got
with the virus and upon making enquiries it was found that the said priest has
died from Corona upon returning to Switzerland.
Then the intelligence officers with great difficulty found more than 250
persons who have attended prayer sessions.
All those 250 people were sent to quarantine centres and out of them 16
were identified as virus infected patients.
He said that Jaffna is an area with high density of population and if
they did not manage to identify and treat those 16 persons it would have been a
great calamity in Jaffna. Explaining
further he said that on 19th may 2009 at 19.39 a.m. they put an end
to terrorism in this country. After that
the political leaders in Jaffna said that there is no war there and the army
should be withdrawn. Even today these
political leaders are making this demand in foreign countries. He said that
none of those 16 affected persons volunteered to identify themselves and if the
intelligence officers did not make a large number of people in Jaffna would
have perished by now.
Explaining about
the modus operandi undertaken to trace the affected patients her said that when
they come across a patient he said that the intelligence service personnel
(ISP) enquire about people he/she had associated recently, he/she had visited
recently and then they check his telephone records to ascertain hos/her vosots
etc. He said that some provide accurate
information but some others do not do so.
For some people from Colonbo may say that he/she went to Kurunegala
whereas he/she had actually gone to Hambantota.
It was facong such difficulties, he said, that the ISPs traced the
people. Giving statistics pertaining to patients in
hospitals and those who have left for homes, he said that almost 50% have been
cured and left for homes. He asked in
which country that 50% had been cured and left for hones other than in Sri
Lanka.
Commenting on
lockdown of villages, the Defense Secretary said that when there was suspicion
of lsrge number of people in certain areas could get affected such areas were
locked down and sometimes all of them in that village was brought under self
quarantine under the observation of PHIs and Police officers and people were
not allowed to go out from or come into that area. He said that in certain
instances the potential threatened miber of people were high all the people in
the village, or in a street or on a certain floor of a flat were takren to
quarantine centres for a ,minimum period of 14 days quarantine and after that
they are brought back to their residences with advise to undergo a further 14
days of self quarantine at their residenes, and some people who have not
followed these rules strictly have got attacked again.
Explaining about
large number of Navy personnel getting affected by the Virus, Mr/ Gunaratne
said that a youngster in Suduwella, Ja Ela area was apprehended by the police
for possessing drugs and then he was found to be infected with Corona virus and
he has associated a large number of drug addict persons. Many of them were found to be virus infected
and when it was requested for them to go to quarantine centres they refused and
became violent. It was he at this time
requested Navy personnel in the Welisara camp to go to Suduwella and make
arrangements to take them for quarantine even by force if it becomes necessary.
Only some of them in them in the camp had face masks, gloves and virus
prevention kits. Others despite lack of
protection attire did not refuse to go there voluntarily regardless of
potential they would encounter. That was
how they became infected. He said that
most of them were not critically affected and they are getting cured and
returning to their camp safely. Explaining
further he said that in the camps of the security forces they have closely laid
camp beds one above the other, a common mess for consuming meals, and common
toilets. That was also one factor that
made them vulnerable. However he said if the Navy personnel had refused to go
to Suduwella without protection gear by now the virus could have invaded
Wattala, Mabola, Kandama. Ekala and many other areas in the Gampaha district.
Responding to a
question about the reopening of the country from 11th May, the
Defense Secretary said that the President does not take unilateral decisions on
nationally important issues and this decision for gradual re-opening of the
country from 11th May onwards had been taken after extensive review
of the situation and in consultation with all parties involved in the current
operation.
Referring to the
allegations being made against our se4curity forces as communal, the Defence
Secretary said that it was the security which combed all over Jaffna and
identified over 250 people who could have become virus victims and took all
steps necessary to quarantine and cure them without just leaving them that they
are Tamils and let anything to
them. He said a female PHI in Jaffna
telephoned him and personally requested to continue with the curfew in Jaffna
said that she wants to get her peopled.
Her said that on 19th 2009 the war was ended for all people
of this country. Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Malay and Burgher from Point Pedro to
Point of Dondra to live as one nation as
Sri Lankans devoid of ethnic, religious and other differences.
