Diplomats based in Colombo were today briefed by the Government on ongoing efforts to assist the public affected by the coronavirus.
The diplomats had expressed their appreciation on Sri Lanka’s efforts to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak during a meeting of the special Presidential Task Force on Essential Services today.
The meeting headed by Minister of Mahaweli Development, Agriculture & Trade Basil Rajapaksa was attended by representatives of the United States of America (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Canada and the European Union (EU).
Head of Media Coordination for the Task Force Professor Charitha Herath told the Colombo Gazette that the diplomats had thanked the Government for assisting in the repatriation of their citizens who were stranded in Sri Lanka due to the crisis.
The discussion further focussed on key issues faced due to the COVID-19 outbreak, such as financial arrangements that require to be implemented in view of the crisis.
The Government had assured the diplomats that it was drafting plans and would brief them in due course, Herath said.
The Professor further said, when inquired on the measures taken to lift the lockdown in place and recommence day to day activities, Minister Basil Rajapaksa had stated that it depended on the advise of health officials.
The meeting had also followed up on the discussion that had taken place yesterday on the production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits for healthcare officials involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, he added. (Colombo Gazette)