With institutional and personal donations and direct deposits the balance of the COVID – 19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund reached Rs. 1,668,379,121.74 as of 31.10.2020. Until today (10.11.2020) Rs. 402,190.701 out of the said amount has been allocated/spent for the following activities.
Activities approved by the Management Committee:
| Activity | Allocated (Rs.) | Actual Expenditure (Rs.) | Implementing Agency | |
| PCR Testing | 100,000,000 | 42,605,812 | Ministry of Health &University Grants Commission | |
| Advocacy Programme | 100,000,000 | 24,364,800 | Ministry of Health | |
| Quarantine Facilities | 86,528,701 | 38,031,065 | Ministry of Health & Ministry of Defence | |
| Lab Facilities of Batticaloa Teaching Hospital | 112,140,000 | Confirmation is anticipated | Ministry of Health | |
| Upgrade of Rapid Test Kit | 3,522,000 | Confirmation is anticipated | SLINTEC |
The Fund was established on 23.03.2020 following a decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers on 18.03.2020. The management of the Healthcare and Social Security Fund is carried out by a board of highly skilled professionals representing areas of administration, finance and banking. The board comprises Ministry Secretaries, Director General of Health Services, audit and banking experts.
The board is headed by the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Prof. W. D. Lakshman.
When an institution requires funds for activities related to controlling COVID, with the approval of the committee, the money is spent by the relevant institution in accordance with the government procurement regulations. Thereafter the Fund reimburses the particular amount. Under no circumstances the committee engages in a direct purchase or direct expenditure. The Accounts Branch of the Presidential Secretariat is entrusted with the responsibility of auditing the Fund and these activities are subjected to comprensive auditing by the Auditor General.
- Media responsible and duty bound to educate the public
- People must adhere to health guidelines
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that the health sector of the country is capable of controlling the COVID- 19 pandemic and what is needed is the support of the people.
COVID pandemic is a “health” issue. The responsibility of protecting people against the virus and steering the country forward lies with the health sector and the Government. President said that he strongly believes that Sri Lankan doctors and the health sector, one of the best in the world can easily achieve the target.
President made these remarks during the daily discussion with the members of the Task Force on COVID Prevention held at the Presidential Secretariat today (9).
“We have 3 options in the face of the spread of the pandemic. The first is to lock down the entire country by imposing curfew. The second is not to do anything. Carrying our normal activities while controlling the disease is the third option and we opted for that”, President added.
“Our doctors and the hospital staff were able to diagnose COVID infected in the first stage and treat them accordingly. Therefore, intensive care services were not required. People must also extend their support in controlling the spread of the disease and preventing infection. President reiterated that media are responsible and duty bound to communicate health guidelines that need to be followed to the general public”.
“Following the successful containment of the virus before media as well as the people have forgotten everything and shirked responsibility. The result is the current situation. The country cannot remain closed until the pandemic is wiped out from the world. We have to understand the ground reality and act accordingly. Infected persons are reported daily even from areas that have been closed for nearly 40 days. This shows that the pandemic cannot be controlled by lock down alone”, President said.
“Closing down the country is the easiest solution. But people have to live. It is my responsibility to keep the economy going while ensuring all the activities including employment, agriculture and fishing move forward. The daily expenditure by the Government to conduct PCR tests exceeds Rs. 60 million. Huge sum of money is spent daily on the entire process including quarantine. It is a ‘personal responsibility’ of the people to comprehend this situation and avoid falling prey to the disease”, President noted.
Ministers Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Keheliya Rambukwella, Member of Parliament Madura Vithanage, Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga and members of the Task Force were present during the discussion.
Located in Badulla district, villages Welanwita and Akkara Seeya in Haldummulla area, which remained deprived of public amenities for a long time and where the majority is poor, have now entered into a period of rapid development.
Larger part of the expected targets included in the proposed development plan has already been achieved. The remaining is projected to be met in the next two months.
With a population around 48,000, Haldummulla is the most difficult Divisional Secretariat division in the Badulla District. Welanwita and Akkara Seeya considered to be the most neglected villages in the division. Commencing the “Discussion with the Village” Programme President Gotabaya Rajapaksa went on an inspection tour of Kumarathenna village in Haldummulla on September 25.
Villagers told the President that the people had abandoned their traditional homes due to their inability to meet even the basic needs. Heeding to their requests President instructed officials to attend to their needs for roads, electricity, water and schooling for children within three months.
Implementing the Programme a comprehensive development drive has been launched by 19 Government institutes under 51 projects.
President paid special attention to development of road network. 5km of the 12 km long Akkara Seeya – Welanwita road has been paved with concrete. Carpeting of the remaining 7k has started. After completion the travel time from Akkara Seeya to Welanwita will be reduced from 1 ½ hours to 20 minutes. The Ceylon Transport Board will add a passenger bus upon completion of the road.
Construction of Gampaha- Welanwita, Kalipanawala- Halkanna, Akkara Seeya – Kakkutuarawa and Beragala- Wellawaya roads has also commenced.
Pylons for power supply are being installed and the wiring will start soon. Once the groundwork is completed Sri Lanka Telecom and Mobitel are ready to meet communication requirements.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board has completed the feasibility study report and preparation of estimate to supply drinking water facility.
The 17th Engineering Services Regiment is in charge of the construction of new building at Kumaratenna Vidyalaya in Welanwita. Construction of the 4-classroom building commenced on September 4. Work is expected to be completed before the new school term. Construction of the new classroom building at Soragune Vidyalaya has completed. As a solution to the shortage of teachers in schools, teachers have been appointed covering all subjects. New Principals have been appointed to Wellawaya – Gampaha Vidyalaya and Janananda Vidyalaya. Haputale Tamil Maha Vidyalaya is to be included in the project to elevate 1000 schools to the level of national schools.
Construction of Kotabogasthenna playground was completed and vested with the public recently.
Surveying of 187 plots of land has been completed and the remaining is scheduled to be concluded before the end of the year.
Lands under the purview of the Departments of Wildlife and Forest Conservation that can be released will be granted to the farmers who are engaged in traditional cultivations.
Agriculture Department has taken measures to implement several programmes to encourage cinnamon and pepper farmers. 57 farmers in Kumarathenna village are cultivating pepper in 160 acres. A pilot project to organize an organic village for them is underway. A cinnamon processing center is being built in Welanwita benefiting 31 farmers.
The Bureau of Geology and Mines and the District Coordinating Committee are working together to promote traditional pottery industry. 18 families in the area are engaged in the industry.
In order to prevent encroaching elephants into villages, construction of an electric fence from Pathaha to Ayispeella has commenced. Electric fences in Welanwita and Kumarathenna have been repaired and activated.
During his visit President inspected the house of Mr. Sarath Ranatunga in Kumarathenna destroyed by wild elephants. Upon President’s instructions the Sri Lanka Army has built a 3-bedroom house for the family.
Residents in the area express their gratitude to President Rajapaksa and the Government for the development programmes launched in Haldummulla village which was neglected by every government for a long period of time.
The State Katina ceremony was held under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the historic Somawathi sacred premises in Polonnaruwa today (8).
This is considered to be the first occasion since the reign of King Parakramabahu II to hold a Katina ceremony sponsored by the state.
It is the tradition since the days of ancient kings to cultivate cotton, spin yarn and use the cotton cloth woven from yarn to sew the Cheevara (Bhikkus robe) and presented to Maha Sangha.
Arriving at the Katina Cheevara Pooja ceremony organized with the approval of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa , President Rajapaksa met the Chief Incumbent of Somawathi Raja Maha Vihara Ven. Pahamune Sumangala Thero and received blessings.
After observing religious rituals President attended the ceremony.
Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara brought the Katina Cheevara followed by the alms giving.
President bequeathed it to Maha Sangha.
Anu Nayaka Thero of Malwatta Chapter Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thero delivered the main sermon.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena, State Ministers Siripala Gamlath and Roshan Ranasinghe and several others were present on the occasion.
- Economic centers restricted to wholesale trade only
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed officials to strictly monitor the self-quarantine process now under way to contain the spread of COVID – 19 virus even after curfew is lifted.
All the families identified as having close contacts with COVID infected were directed to self-quarantine at their homes. Their number is closer to 84,000 in 31,457 houses islandwide. In Western Province 40,676 belong to 13,911 families are currently undergoing self-quarantine.
President Rajapaksa issued these directives during the daily meeting with the members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID – 19 Prevention held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (5).
While paying special attention to close associates and the areas they belong to in the event infected persons found in the community, and if necessary, President advised to declare those areas as isolated. Importance of concentrating on estates and flats was discussed in length.
It was decided to restrict the economic centers to wholesale trade only. President noted that trade activities should continue while strictly adhering to health guidelines and continuously conducting PCR tests. There is no need to obtain curfew passes for lorries transporting essential goods such as vegetables and fruits between districts.
Every step has been taken to continue operations at the Free Trade Zone in Katunayaka. President also instructed to carry out random and continuous PCR tests in the trade zone under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Sri Lanka Navy with the assistance of private hospitals.
Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Member of Parliament Madura Vithanage, Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President Lalitha Weeratunga and members of the Presidential Task Force were present during the meeting.
The “Stay Safe ” digital devise designed under the guidance of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) with the aim of containing the spread of COVID – 19 pandemic was introduced to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Tracing close associates of COVID infected and the movements of the disease carriers are the two major challenges in preventing the spread of the virus. The “Stay Safe” project has been designed as a solution to these two problems.
The new initiative was introduced by the Chairman of ICTA Jayantha de Silva during the daily meeting presided over by the President with the members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID – 19 Prevention today (4).
The new device is based on a QR code. The project will be implemented in a simple manner that is easily accessible to all parties involved in COVID prevention, commercial and public sector entities and the general public.
A unique QR code to each organization can be obtained by visiting staysafe.gov.lk website. The project will come into effect from next Saturday (7).
The QR code can be easily acquired using a smart phone by entering basic information such as the name, address of any organization, name and the telephone number of the owner. The code can be printed and displayed at the organization.
Everyone whether he or she owns or does not own a mobile phone will be registered and their whereabouts could be identified. Steps will be taken by the ICTA to make the public aware of these information through all media.
The Task Force on COVID Prevention updated the President on the current status of the spread of virus in the Western Province.
President reiterated the importance of the responsible behavior on the part of the public. People cannot be disciplined through continuously maintaining curfew . President Rajapaksa said that decisions should be taken with a balanced view of the lives of the people, the economy of the country and all other aspects.
While pointing out that the country cannot remain closed until a final solution is found to control the virus President said that everyone should be prepared to carry one daily activities as usual while adhering to health guidelines of the health authorities. President instructed the Police to strictly enforce curfew regulations in order to control the virus.
Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Member of Parliament Premanath C Dolawatta, Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisory to the President Lalith Weeratunga and members of the Task Force were present during the discussion.
The newly appointed Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force Air Marshall Sudarshana Pathirana called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (4).
Air Marshall Pathirana is the 18th Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force.
He is an officer who has shown prowess flying fighter jets in the fight against separatist terrorism.
Mr. Pathirana also served as a pilot who flown Super Sonic F7 in 1990 and Kfir jets in 1995 and the Commander of Kfir Jet Squadron.
Following the tradition the Commander paid a courtesy call on President after assuming duties and presented a memento.
• Curfew imposed in Western Province will continue till 5.00 am on Monday the 9th
• Police advised not to issue curfew passes
• Self-quarantine to be monitored
• Those under self-quarantine will be subjected to PCR tests after 10 days
• Goodie pack worth Rs. 10,000 for those under self-quarantine
• Distribution of essential goods in curfew areas in the same manner as earlier
• Strict restrictions on travelling between districts
President Gotabya Rajapaksa has made several concrete decisions to curb COVID spread without disrupting public life and the economy.
The measures taken by the Government to self-quarantine the infected at their homes instead of taking them to quarantine centers have produced results as expected. In order to make it more effective the process should be continuously monitored by the Medical Officer of Health, the Public Health Inspector, the Police and the Army, President pointed out.
PCR tests on people under home quarantine should be conducted on the 10th day. President instructed to bring back those non-infected to normal life after 14 days.
President made these remarks during a discussion with the members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID – 19 Prevention held at the Presidential Secretariat today (01).
The government was able to protect the people during the first outbreak even when there was no experience on COVID – 19. President said that steps should be taken to control the current situation utilizing the lessons learnt from previously adopted strategies and methods.
President emphasized the importance of conducting continuous and regular random tests. He also stressed that every effort should be made to provide the results within a short period of time. No matter whether the PCR tests are done by a private hospital or the Government, it is mandatory to quarantine the person until the results are released and PCR tests conducted in private hospitals should be closely monitored by the Ministry of Health, President noted.
Isolation of close associates and areas after COVID infected persons are detected is being carried out as an immediate measure to prevent the spread of the virus. In addition to this, curfew will be imposed with the objective of containing the disease. Therefore, the President instructed the police to strictly enforce the curfew once it is declared.
It was also decided to suspend travel between districts except for the purpose of essential services including distribution of goods.
The Head of the Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival Basil Rajapaksa said that essential goods will be distributed in areas where curfew is inforce as in the past.
Mr. Rajapaksa also said that the program will be implemented by assigning responsibilities to District and Divisional Secretaries, Grama Niladharis and Local Government Representatives and the monthly elders’ allowance will be handed over at the doorstep similar to previous occasions.
Steps have also been taken to provide a bag of essential goods worth Rs. 10,000 to those under quarantine at homes.
As a measure to contain the prevailing wave of Coronavirus spread all public institutions in the Western Province and other major townships are required to adopt the “Work From Home (WFH)” mechanism again.
Using experience gained during April – May 2020 under WFH, heads of institutions are instructed to adopt alternative work plans to deliver essential services and other public services.
The relevant circular was issued yesterday (29) by the Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera to all Cabinet and State Ministry Secretaries, Chief Secretaries of Provinces, District Secretaries, Government Agents, Heads of Departments and Chairpersons and General Managers of State Corporations and Statutory Boards.
These guidelines are specifically applicable to Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts where the movements are restricted due to the spread of the virus. Government offices except in these districts and any other vulnerable locations as declared on the advice of the Director General of Health Services, should operate as normal subject to strict compliance of health requirements.
The Secretary notes that all heads of institutions are personally responsible and accountable to ensure that steps are being taken to facilitate all activities coming under their purview to manage the pandemic effectively.
Heads of Institutions are entrusted with the authority to determine the type of work that can be performed remotely and the employees who will work from home.
They should devise a mechanism to deliver work material such as files as well as the necessary equipment to homes of employees with proper authorization. Availability of employees for WFH needs to be between 8.30 am and 4.15 pm. This can be made flexible by Heads of Institutions depending on the work/service requirement unless curfew is declared. Heads of Institutions have the authority to re-assign the employees who are not on WFH plans to institutions or Task Forces that require additional human resources.
Under the said circular, heads are advised to use alternative communication methods in order to ensure effective and successful implementation of WFH mechanism. SMS, e-mail, telephone, user friendly web applications such as WhatsApp and Skype can be used for this purpose. Chief Accounting Officers and Accounting Officers are entrusted with the responsibility of providing required financial allocations.
According to the circular issued by the Secretary to the President every institution that delivers services directly to the general public is required to create an online platform to entertain public requests without delay. Heads of Institutions have the authority to request employees on self-isolation to work from home. Nevertheless, no work should be carried out by an employee who has Coronavirus symptoms, however mild.
The circular includes specific guidelines to sectors such as regional administration, education and higher education, provision of welfare services, statutory bodies and public enterprises and general administration.
This entails to launch an educational TV and radio channel for school children, reserve specific air times for educational programmes in electronic media, deliver welfare services without any disruption and to deliver required services to differently-abled persons and those suffering from chronic diseases to their doorstep.
The Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force Air Marshal Sumangala Dias, who is due to retire on November 2 after 36 years of service, called on Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday morning (29).
Appointed on May 27, 2019, Sumangala Dias is the 17th Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force.
Rendering an unwavering service with utmost dedication to end 30-years of terrorism, he was accolade with many medals including Vadamarachchi Operation Medal, Purna Bhoomi Service Medal, Desha Puthra Sammanaya, Ranashoora Padakkama (four times with 03 bars), North & East Operation Medal, Uththama Seva Padakkama and the Vishishta Sewa Vibhushanaya.
Commending the great service rendered for the Motherland, the President congratulated Sumangala Dias on his retirement.