It has been decided to extend the quarantine curfew which is in force until 4 am on September 6.
The decision was taken at the meeting of Special Committee on COVID-19 Control held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (27).
The progress of the vaccination drive was reviewed at length during the meeting. The President instructed to inform the Medical Officers of Health to submit requests for necessary vaccines to cover those who are over the age of 30 and not received the vaccines so far.
In the event anyone fails to obtain the first dose, it was mentioned that they are able to get the first dose from the centres where the second doses are being administered.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa pointed out that local politicians should take action to encourage the people to obtain the vaccine.
The President said the doctors and the Heads of the Health Sector who have been making recommendations on the actions that need to be taken to contain the virus should continue to pay constant attention to necessary actions that need to be taken in the future as well.
If anyone over the age of 60 or suffering from non-communicable diseases has contracted the virus, they should be hospitalised immediately. The President pointed out that such patients are being discharged early after being recovered following proper medical treatment.
The attention was also paid to the issues concerning the death of persons who are not COVID-19 patients and no one in the family is being quarantined and the need to continue with the decision to conduct the last rites within 24 hours.
Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said that the programme to conduct regular medical supervision of COVID-19 patients who are receiving treatment at home is now being implemented successfully.
The measures taken to meet the daily needs of the people during the quarantine curfew period was reviewed and the President emphasized the need to pay special attention to the daily wage earners and low-income earners.
Minister Basil Rajapaksa pointed out the need to control the pandemic while managing the national economy as well.
Minister Bandula Gunawardana explained the programme implemented by the Sathosa to provide essential food items to the people at concessionary prices.
State Minister Sisira Jayakody described the projects implemented by the State Ministry of Indigenous Medicine to provide Ayurvedic medicines to the people covering the entire country to boost immunity.
Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said that all state and private media institutions are committed to carry out their responsible media duty by constantly educating the public on the pandemic and the steps that should be taken to protect from it. The Minister also said that the initiatives in this regard will be coordinated by the Ministry of Mass Media.
Specialist Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, member of the Special Committee on COVID-19 Control, said that it is the responsibility of the public to protect themselves from this virus by adhering to proper hygiene practices.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Keheliya Rambukwella, Bandula Gunawardana, Dullas Alahapperuma, State Ministers Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Sisira Jayakody, Channa Jayasumana, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Health Secretary Major General Specialist Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena and members of the Special Committee on COVID-19 Control were also present.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed an Advisory Board as per the Section 13 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, No.48 of 1979, the Director-General of Legal Affairs of the Presidential Secretariat Attorney-at-Law Harigupta Rohanadeera said.
The Chairman of the Advisory Board is retired Chief Justice Asoka de Silva and retired high Court Judge A.A.R. Heiyanthuduwa and retired Solicitor General Suhada Gamalath have been appointed as the other members.
The Advisory Board is expected to make recommendations and advise the President on the investigation, release, granting of bail and future action related to the persons imprisoned over terrorist activities and detained under detention orders.
Hitherto, the persons who have been imprisoned had no opportunity to make representations on their rights since an Advisory Board has not been established for a long time. Mr. Harigupta Rohanadeera further said that the prisoners will be given the opportunity to submit their issues with the appointment of the Advisory Board.
President says at the concluding ceremony of the Dalada Perahera
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that despite the challenges and obstacles the country would have to face, there are a number of national responsibilities and duties that need to be fulfilled.
The President noted that the rulers throughout history had believed that the rituals and offerings conducted on behalf of and devoted to the Sacred Tooth Relic as the foremost duty.
The President made these remarks during the ceremony organised to mark the successful completion of the historical Dalada Perahera at the President’s House, Kandy this evening (23).
The Esala Perahara Sandheshaya (scroll) to indicate that the Kandy Esala Perahara, which is known to be the most vibrant cultural festival of the country, has been successfully concluded in line with historical traditions was handed over to the President by Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, the Chief Custodian of the Dalada Maligawa.
The President offered fruits to the elephant ‘Bandhaa’ symbolically marking the offer of fruits to all elephants and tuskers that participated in the procession.
The President posed for a group photo with Diyawadana Nilame, Basnayaka Nilames and public servants who provided assistance to the conduct of Perahera.
While presenting the Sandheshaya (scroll), Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela expressed gratitude to the government and all others for providing assistance to conduct the historical Dalada Perahera successfully even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Rajapaksa said that ‘We preserved the ancient tradition by holding this year’s Dalada Perahera festival while strictly adhering to the health guidelines in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic in order to carry forward this important tradition to our future generations.’
The President furthermore said that the veneration to the most Sacred Tooth Relic could be considered as a commitment made towards the country and nation.
Secretary to President P.B. Jayasundera and government officials were present on the occasion.
Speech by His Excellency the President at the occasion of receiving the Sandeshaya (scroll) indicating the successful conclusion of Dalada Perahera
22-08-2021 (At President’s House, Kandy)
Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dala,
Nilames of Sathara Devala and other Devalas,
Mayor,
Secretary to the President and other Government officials,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have been able to conduct the ‘Sri Dalada Perahera’ festival this year as well in line with ancient traditions and customs and it is a “Buddhalambana” bliss to all Buddhists.
On behalf of the entire Buddhist community, I warmly welcome the Diyawadana Nilame at Sri Dalada Maligawa and the Basnayaka Nilames of Sathara Devala and other Devalas who are present here to announce the successful completion of this noble task.
I recall with gratitude the guidance and the blessings of the Maha Sangha including Maha Nayaka Thero of the Malwatta Chapter Most Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero, Maha Nayaka Thero of the Asgiri Chapter Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thero and the Anu Nayaka Theros, to conduct the Perahera in line with health guidelines and by preserving the identity, the respect and the blessing of this Maha Pooja that is being held on behalf of the Most Sacred Tooth Relic.
Whatever challenges and obstacles befall on the country, we know that there are a number of national responsibilities and duties entrusted upon us that we should fulfill. Since ancient times our rulers believed that the performing of respectful rituals to venerate the Most Sacred Tooth Relic should be given utmost priority. They handed over that tradition from one generation to the other. I am also committed to perform all the rituals to venerate the Most Sacred Tooth Relic with utmost respect by following the way of the ancient kings and all the previous Heads of the State.
We acknowledge the Most Sacred Tooth Relic as the most revered treasure in our country. The immense devotion of the Buddhists towards the Most Sacred Tooth Relic can be considered as a noble veneration we pay towards the Buddha.
Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to preserve the ancient tradition of holding the Dalada Perahera festival this year as well with great respect to carry forward this important tradition to our future generations.
We can be contented as a government that has continuously set forth the traditions of the past. Under the guidance of our venerable Maha Sangha, you have upheld the traditions preserved by our ancient kings.
Nilames and honourable guests,
We consider the commitment towards Most Sacred Tooth Relic as a commitment made towards the country and the nation. We wholeheartedly believe that every successful step made for the betterment of the country had the protection and blessing of the Most Sacred Tooth Relic.
We extend our gratitude to everyone including the artistes who were committed to making this procession to the Sacred Tooth Relic a reality this year as well.
May you all be blessed by the Most Sacred Tooth Relic!
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa engaged in religious observances at Dalada Maligawa, Kandy last evening (22) and obtained blessings from the Sacred Tooth Relic.
The President was received by Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela upon his arrival to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
The final Randoli Perahera of the Dalada Maligawa paraded the streets last evening (22) and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa joined to witness the Perahera from outside the President’s House, Kandy.
- Stern instructions not to violate quarantine curfew…
- Essential and Export Services to continue…
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided to impose an island-wide quarantine curfew and it will be in force from 10.00 pm today (20) till 4.00 am on Monday, 30th August.
The decision was taken to vaccinate people above 60 years who have not yet been vaccinated, and the President instructed the relevant authorities to complete the vaccination of those above the age of 60 before September 01.
Those persons should be identified through the Divisional Secretary, Heads of Local Government Authorities and Rural COVID-19 Prevention Committees and their information should be reported to the Health Divisions before Monday 23rd for vaccination. Facilities have been provided to register by calling 1906 hotline or the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO). It was also decided to carry out this vaccination programme under the supervision of the Army Commander as per the instructions of the Health authorities.
The President made these remarks at a meeting held with the members of the COVID Prevention Special Committee at the Presidential Secretariat, today (20).
The President also instructed to continue the functions of the airports and flight operations and essential services such as agricultural activities, garments and construction industries, export industries and pharmacies during the quarantine curfew.
President Rajapaksa also advised the IGP to search for those who violate the quarantine curfew and strictly enforce laws against them.
The President instructed the State Minister of Indigenous Medicine Promotion, Rural and Ayurvedic Hospitals Development and Community Health to take steps to provide indigenous medicines to the people in the rural and urban areas during this period.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Keheliya Rambukwella, Gamini Lokuge, Dullas Alahapperuma, Prasanna Ranatunga, State Ministers Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Sisira Jayakody, Channa Jayasumana, Principal Advisor to the President, Lalith Weeratunga, Health Secretary Major General (retd) Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardana, Commanders of Army and Navy, Inspector General of Police, Heads of Health and Security Sectors were present at the meeting.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (16) reshuffled the Cabinet of Ministers as follows.
01. Hon. G. L. Peiris – Minister of Foreign
02. Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena – Minister of Education
03. Hon. Pavithra Wanniarachchi – Minister of Transport
04. Hon. Keheliya Rambukwella – Minister of Health
05. Hon. Gamini Lokuge – Minister of Power
06. Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma – Minister of Mass Media
07. Hon. Namal Rajapaksa – Minister of Development Coordination Monitoring in addition to the portfolio of Youth and Sports.
President instructs officials.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa informed the health officials to pay special attention to those who are above the age of 60 and are suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases.
According to the investigations conducted into the deaths reported during the last few days, it has been revealed that the majority was from the Western Province. It has been identified that a higher percentage of this group was those who are above the age of 60, suffer from non-communicable diseases and have not received the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, the President emphasized the need to formulate a special mechanism by paying special attention to those who are above the age of 60 and are suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases.
The President made these remarks during the Special Committee on COVID-19 Control held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (13).
The President said the priority should be given to those who are over the age of 60 and suffer from various diseases when conducting PCR and Rapid Antigen Tests. He also pointed out the need to isolate the patients who have undergone kidney transplants and those who are receiving dialysis.
The need to obtain information of the patients registered at the clinics in hospitals to receive treatment for non-communicable diseases, and bringing them to the special attention of Medical Officers of Health and the Public Health Inspectors was also discussed.
People over the age of 60 in the Western Province who have not yet been vaccinated due to various diseases have been identified. Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said that steps have been taken to vaccinate all of them in the next few days.
Having received just one dose is not enough to be safe against the virus. Therefore, the specialist doctors who are members of the COVID Committee pointed out that the people after receiving both doses of the vaccine should act in a responsible manner until the immunization period is reached.
The doctors emphasized that it was the duty and responsibility of the people to prevent mass gatherings, to stay at home except those who are called for essential services and duties and to help prevent the spread of the disease by adhering to the health guidelines.
Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, State Ministers Sisira Jayakody and Channa Jayasumana, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Health Secretary Major General (Retd.) Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena and other members of the Committee were present at the meeting.
- 120 protests in the last month …
Intelligence service reveals the cause of spread of the disease.
- Public support is essential to prevent the spread of the disease …
Doctors point out.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the Heads of Health Services not to allow any patient coming to hospitals with COVID-19 symptoms to be inconvenienced.
There has been an increase in the number of patients being treated at hospitals in several major Cities including Colombo due to COVID-19 symptoms. The President emphasized that they should not be inconvenienced due to the congestion that occurred in diagnosing such patients.
Intermediate treatment centres have been set up in several major cities since a few months ago. The centres were designed with the objective of preventing infected people from being inconvenienced in any emergency situation. Therefore, the President pointed out the need to refer those who show symptoms first to the Intermediate Treatment Centres and then to the hospitals after monitoring the patient’s condition.
The President made these remarks at a meeting held with the Special Committee on Prevention of COVID 19 Outbreak on vaccination drive and its future plans, at the Presidential Secretariat today (06).
The President instructed Ministers, State Ministers and Health Officials to directly intervene to create a proper method to avoid any inconvenience to the public at the hospital level.
President Rajapaksa further stated that it is the responsibility of health professionals to constantly advise the public through the media to avoid contracting the virus.
It was also decided to provide facilities for anyone over the age of 30 to receive the first dose at any of the vaccination centres that administer the second dose.
Vaccines have been ordered to provide both two doses to all citizens over the age of 18 before September. The government is even prepared for a third dose. However, Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said it was disappointing to note the lack of support from the public to prevent the spread of the virus.
A total of 120 protests have been held across the country in the last month. At least over 1,500 people have taken part in each of these protests. Intelligence services have pointed out that people getting together in this manner without following health guidelines have led to the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the country.
Many of the personnel who are involved in the operations to contain the COVID-19 virus spread take indigenous medicines daily. It has greatly contributed to enhance immunization. Indigenous Medicine Promotion State Minister Sisira Jayakody stated that even if the vaccine is administered, taking in indigenous medicines daily and steam inhalation will help minimize the risk of contracting the virus.
Ministers Gamini Lokuge, Bandula Gunawardana, Keheliya Rambukwella, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Ramesh Pathirana, State Ministers Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Sisira Jayakody, MP Madhura Withanage, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Health Secretary Major General Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardane, Commanders of the Tri-Forces, the Inspector General of Police and the Heads of Health and Security sectors were also present at the meeting.
- All children should have the opportunity to undergo mandatory pre-school, school and Dhamma school education…
- Search for international methods on child development…
President instructs officials.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stresses that the security of children should be strengthened at the rural level.
According to the information revealed, the majority of the children employed as child labourers are from the estate sector. The President pointed out that the necessary authority should be exercised at the Grama Niladhari Division level to prevent this plight. Grama Niladhari officers possess the information on families in the estate sector. The President added that immediate action is imperative when a child is missing from a household in order to put an end to child labour.
The President made these remarks at a discussion held with the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) and line institutes at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (05).
Special attention has been paid to empowering children and women in the national policy framework “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour”. A separate state ministry has been established to accomplish this.
While commending the State Ministry’s efforts to prevent violence against children and women, the President highlighted the importance of studying the research conducted on child development in other countries and the possibility of implementing those mechanisms in urban and rural areas.
The President stated that the main responsibility of the Child Protection Authority is to direct all children to undergo mandatory pre-school, school and Dhamma school education and to find out the reasons for children failing to attend schools and provide solutions. The President pointed out that the relationship between the children and parents could be strengthened through the cultivation of spiritual virtues by encouraging the children belonging to all religions to attend religious schools.
President Rajapaksa stressed the need to safeguard the children from drug addiction and at the same time to study and address the factors that motivated them to use these drugs.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in Parliament this morning.
President Rajapaksa, who arrived at the parliament complex, was welcomed by the Leader of the House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and the Chief Government Whip Minister Johnston Fernando.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and the government members of parliament entered into the Chamber along with the President. After listening to the oral questions that were being raised under the Standing Orders, the President went to his office in Parliament and engaged in conversations with the MPs of both the Government and the Opposition.