The government hopes to protect the entire population of the country from the Covid epidemic by early 2022 by giving Covid vaccine to everybody nationwide by late 2021. This was stated by the Commander of the National Operational Center for the Control of Outbreaks of Covid-19, Army Commander Shavendra Silva.
He pointed out that in the process, the government hopes to keep the country’s economy stable while allowing the workforce’s economic pillars, economic allies and the general public to move the country forward.
He stated this addressing the Sri Lanka Investment Forum – 2021 Investment Conference held today. The conference, which will be held online from 7-9 this month, will be attended by over 5,000 investors and delegates from over 80 countries. The Sri Lanka Investment Forum – 2021 is the largest online investment conference in Asia.
Addressing the gathering, the Army Commander also made these remarks.
“Sri Lanka, which successfully controlled the first and second waves, is now in the process of controlling the third wave. Kovid epidemic is not just a health problem. Although it has severely affected the country’s economy, President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has consistently led the fight to keep the country’s economy afloat and build people’s livelihoods while curbing the epidemic.
Our epidemic management strategies include continuing to work in industries, factories, export agencies and international businesses. To this end, the employees of these institutions are guaranteed to have all the health precautions and related facilities.
There are five strategies we follow to respond to the Covid epidemic. That is, to break the chain of the epidemic, to minimize the death rate as much as possible while treating the infected, to avoid difficulties such as reduction in treatment or other needs due to restrictions on earnings and travel, to improve the immunity of the people through vaccination, managing and developing the economy so that it can lead to livelihood and economic progress during and after the outbreak, are those strategies.
Countries like ours are not able to keep the country closed for a very long time even in the face of such an epidemic. Therefore, efforts are being made to maintain the economic mechanism of the country in every possible way, even during the epidemic. We did not stop economic activities or development projects even when travel restrictions were imposed across the country. They continue to operate under necessary health advices and safety measures.
Countries like ours are not able to keep the country closed for a very long time even in the face of such an epidemic. Therefore, efforts are being made to maintain the economic mechanism of the country in every possible way, even during the epidemic. We did not stop economic activities or development projects even when travel restrictions were imposed across the country. They continue to operate on the necessary health advice and safety measures.
None of Sri Lanka’s development or infrastructure development projects were halted during the epidemic and were never allowed to be delayed. At the same time, Sri Lanka’s agricultural and export sectors continue to thrive under the strict healthcare program, even during the Covid epidemic. Sri Lanka, which is surrounded by seas around the country, is well aware of its value as a hub for maritime transport. Therefore, shipping, re-exports, exports, service delivery and port activities are continuing. We have been able to successfully operate the port under a special health care program. Sri Lanka is a land of opportunity. Therefore, I invite you to join hands to enhance relations through this conference, to become a reliable and strategic economic partner and to reap mutual benefits.”
