Author: TELO Admin

Switzerland has dispatched medical supplies worth CHF 3.5 million to Colombo, including half a million antigen tests, 50 ventilators, 150 oxygen concentrators and testing materials.

In response to the serious public health situation in Sri Lanka and calls for assistance from the Sri Lankan authorities, Swiss Humanitarian Aid immediately set up a crisis unit to provide aid supplies as quickly as possible to help Sri Lanka’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on the requirements issued by the Sri Lankan authorities, a list of supplies Switzerland was able to provide was drawn up in close cooperation with the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport and the Federal Department of Home Affairs.

An aircraft left Zurich today with 16 tonnes of supplies on board. In addition to the 50 ventilators provided by the Armed Forces Pharmacy, the supplies included 150 oxygen concentrators and other medical equipment (such as devices for measuring oxygen levels).

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) also added half a million antigen tests to the consignment. Before assembling the supplies, it was clarified that they would not be needed for the Swiss population.

The consignment will be received in Colombo by representatives of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health and then distributed to the different locations. The Swiss Embassy in Sri Lanka is in close contact with the local authorities to ensure that the supplies are distributed fairly and in line with humanitarian principles.

Last year, Switzerland also contributed CHF 1 million to Sri Lanka’s efforts to combat COVID-19. In October 2020, it funded a device for PCR testing in Colombo airport and provided 39,000 test kits – with the aim of helping Sri Lankan migrant workers who had lost their jobs abroad because of COVID-19 to return home. The Swiss Embassy has also given CHF 100,000 to local partners providing emergency COVID-19 aid to the neediest people, especially low-income families.

Today’s consignment to Sri Lanka is the third Swiss Humanitarian Aid supply mission to South Asia within a month. Swiss Humanitarian Aid, which is part of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, sent 13 tonnes of supplies to India and 30 tonnes to Nepal in recent weeks. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Swiss Humanitarian Aid has been continuously monitoring public health developments around the world and is ready to provide as much support as it can upon request.

The Director-General of Health Services confirmed that Sri Lanka has reported 47 more deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday (June 07).

As per the Department of Government Information, the reported deaths had occurred between May 17 and June 07.

They are identified as residents of Elpitiya, Wathugahamulla, Dankotuwa, Marawila, Walapane, Dedigamuwa, Waththala, Matara, Hatton, Galagedara, Wellampitiya, Uragaha, Horana, Gonapola – North, Paragasthota, Gonapola, Dehiwala, Colombo 09, Thlawakele, Nuwara Eliya, Trincomalee, Alawwa, Negombo, Galle, Kalutara, Darga Town, Angoda, Naththandiya, Walahapitiya, Haburugala, Moronthuduwa –Panadura, Maho, Polgahawela, Ibbagamuwa, Kandy, Bulathsinghala, Akurana, Dehiaththakandiya, Poogoda, Dompe and Veyangoda.

Accordingly, the total number of deaths due to Covid-19 infection in Sri Lanka has risen to 1,789.

The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on Monday (07)

“High Commissioner called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today and discussed a wide range of bilateral topics including in the areas of economic, investment, and financial cooperation,” the Indian High Commissioner posted on its Facebook Page.

The Director General of Health services has issued fresh guidelines for fully vaccinated Sri Lankans arriving from some countries.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Health said that fully vaccinated Sri Lankans arriving from India, Vietnam, South Africa and South American countries cannot be home quarantined.

The new guidelines also apply to Sri Lankans and Dual Citizens who have transited or have a travel history within the past 14 days to these countries.

Basil, fully vaccinated

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force for Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation, Basil Rajapaksa, who is currently in the US, and is said to be fully vaccinated, is expected to return to Sri Lanka soon.

He left for the US on May 12 and reports initially stated he had gone for medical treatment. However, it was later revealed that he had visited his daughter, who had recently given birth.

Meanwhile, a close aide said that although Mr. Rajapaksa had initially planned to visit the US last December, it was delayed due to the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka.

Source: Srilanka Mirror

The Parliament Select Committee appointed to identify appropriate reforms of the election laws and the electoral system and to recommend necessary amendments has requested the public to submit proposals, on or before the 19th of June.

The Secretary of the Select Committee Deputy Secretary-General & Chief of Staff Kushani Rohanadeera informed individuals and organisations to direct proposals to the email address sec.pscelectionreforms2021@parliament.lk.

Written views and suggestions should be addressed to the Secretary, Parliament Select Committee, Sri Lanka Parliament, Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte.

Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO)has, in a statement issued, attempted to to dispel misconceptions in respect of the arrival of several hundreds of sailors in a French Naval fleet to Sri Lanka.
Explaining their position the Inbound Tour Operators said.

“SLAITO wishes to inform the general public that there is no cause for alarm as this is a port courtesy visit of two French Navy ships scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from the 7th to the 11th of June 2021. The Foreign Ministry in cooperation with the respective line agencies including the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and the Sri Lanka Navy will facilitate this port call.

During their visit the French Navy personnel who have been at sea for more than three months will be taking a short break visiting our country under the bio bubble concept adhering to all health and safety protocols outlined by the Ministry of Health.

The revenue generated will provide the already ailing tourism industry and its stakeholders with a much needed boost of foreign exchange. It is important to bear in mind that their tour of our island will generate 3000 room nights within three days in the cultural triangle and beach resorts. The entry fee income alone will generate USD25,000 to our economy. In conclusion, we would like to reiterate that this operation will be handled by French Embassy appointed SLTDA approved safe and secure DMC’s who have taken it upon themselves to adhere to all the health and safety protocols outlined by the ministry of health”.