• Latest
  • Trending
Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Lankan President stresses the need to prevent the economy from collapsing

August 20, 2021
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

UAE leader names his son as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

March 30, 2023
New Disney cruise ship to set sail from Singapore from 2025

New Disney cruise ship to set sail from Singapore from 2025

March 30, 2023
US dollar notes

China, Brazil strike deal to ditch dollar for trade

March 30, 2023
Lankan High Commissioner Moragoda meets with the President of ISKCON Mumbai Centre

Lankan High Commissioner Moragoda meets with the President of ISKCON Mumbai Centre

March 30, 2023
Symposium on maritime security in the Bay of Bengal held in Colombo

Symposium on maritime security in the Bay of Bengal held in Colombo

March 30, 2023
bird flu

Chile detects first case of bird flu in a human

March 30, 2023
Star Wars star Mark Hamill

Star Wars star Mark Hamill lends voice to air raid alert app to warn Ukrainians of Russian strikes

March 30, 2023
Lankan envoy meets Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to discuss bilateral cooperation

Lankan envoy meets Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to discuss bilateral cooperation

March 30, 2023
Women’s collective seeks action against MP who allegedly assaulted Puttalam Quazi

Women’s collective seeks action against MP who allegedly assaulted Puttalam Quazi

March 29, 2023
Cryptocurrency

Central Bank reiterates significant risks associated with using and investing in cryptocurrency

March 29, 2023
Sri Lankan workers

New employment scheme with Saudi Arabia sparks hope among Sri Lankan workers

March 29, 2023
Bus fares to be decreased

Bus fares to be reduced

March 29, 2023
  • About Us
  • Advertisements
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Friday, March 31, 2023
No Result
View All Result
NewsIn.Asia
  • Home
  • Around South Asia
    • All
    • Afghanistan
    • Bangladesh
    • Bhutan
    • China
    • India
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Pakistan
    • Sri Lanka
    US dollar notes

    China, Brazil strike deal to ditch dollar for trade

    Lankan High Commissioner Moragoda meets with the President of ISKCON Mumbai Centre

    Lankan High Commissioner Moragoda meets with the President of ISKCON Mumbai Centre

    Symposium on maritime security in the Bay of Bengal held in Colombo

    Symposium on maritime security in the Bay of Bengal held in Colombo

    Lankan envoy meets Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to discuss bilateral cooperation

    Lankan envoy meets Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to discuss bilateral cooperation

    Women’s collective seeks action against MP who allegedly assaulted Puttalam Quazi

    Women’s collective seeks action against MP who allegedly assaulted Puttalam Quazi

    Cryptocurrency

    Central Bank reiterates significant risks associated with using and investing in cryptocurrency

    Sri Lankan workers

    New employment scheme with Saudi Arabia sparks hope among Sri Lankan workers

    Bus fares to be decreased

    Bus fares to be reduced

    Fuel. Image credits - Wassim Chouak / Unsplash

    Fuel price reduced in Sri Lanka

  • World
    • All
    • Japan
    • Russia
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

    UAE leader names his son as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

    New Disney cruise ship to set sail from Singapore from 2025

    New Disney cruise ship to set sail from Singapore from 2025

    US dollar notes

    China, Brazil strike deal to ditch dollar for trade

    bird flu

    Chile detects first case of bird flu in a human

    Star Wars star Mark Hamill

    Star Wars star Mark Hamill lends voice to air raid alert app to warn Ukrainians of Russian strikes

    moon samples

    New source of water found in moon samples from China mission

    Population

    World ‘population bomb’ may never go off as feared – new study

    India - Sri Lanka

    Travel to India in 50$?

    Manchester United. Image credits - Javid Naderi / Unsplash

    Qatar’s Al Thani submits new US$6 billion bid for Manchester United

  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Books
    • Gaming
    • Movie
    • Music
    • Series
    The gran who couldn’t: Indu Balachandran’s latest book is for readers of all ages

    The gran who couldn’t: Indu Balachandran’s latest book is for readers of all ages

    The Weeknd

    The Weeknd is the world’s most popular artist, Guinness World Records says

    Naatu Naatu has millions of views on YouTube and is a viral sensation over social media

    Watch: Oscar winning song Naatu Naatu

    Naatu Naatu has millions of views on YouTube and is a viral sensation over social media

    Indian song ‘Naatu Naatu’ from ‘RRR’ wins Oscar award for best song

    Naatu Naatu has millions of views on YouTube and is a viral sensation over social media

    Naatu Naatu: The RRR song primed for Oscar history

    Keanu Reeves

    11 of the best films to watch in March

    Netflix. Image credits - Souvik Banerjee @rswebsols / Unsplash

    Netflix cuts prices for subscribers in more than 30 countries

    Backstreet Boys

    Backstreet Boys to perform in India after 13 years

    Roald Dahl books

    Roald Dahl books rewritten to remove language deemed offensive

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Science
    • Travel
    moon samples

    New source of water found in moon samples from China mission

    Happy. Image credits - Lesly Juarez / Unsplash

    The world’s happiest countries for 2023

    Nepal. Image credits - Toomas Tartes / Unsplash

    Nepal bans solo trekkers throughout the country

    Air quality drops to ‘unhealthy’ level in Colombo

    Air quality drops to ‘unhealthy’ level in Colombo

    Scientists discover enzyme that turns air into electricity, providing a new clean source of energy

    Scientists discover enzyme that turns air into electricity, providing a new clean source of energy

    Toblerone chocolates

    Toblerone chocolates to lose “Swissness” criteria

    Significant increase of overweight and obese individuals in Sri Lanka

    Significant increase of overweight and obese individuals in Sri Lanka

    Vistara airlines to resume operations to Sri Lanka

    Vistara airlines to resume operations to Sri Lanka

    International airlines suspend some US flights over 5G uncertainty

    Saying no to inflight meals can help our planet

    Sri Lanka

    Where are 2023s tourists to Sri Lanka coming from?

    Trending Tags

    • Golden Globes
    • Mr. Robot
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Climate Change
    • Flat Earth
  • Tech
    Whatsapp. Image credits - AARN GIRI / Unsplash

    WhatsApp for iOS gets text detection feature: What is it and how to use

    Nokia

    Nokia changes iconic logo to signal strategy shift

    Selena Gomez and Kylie Jenner

    Selena Gomez dethrones Kylie Jenner on Instagram

    Facebook. Image credits - Solen Feyissa @solenfeyissa

    Facebook & Instagram to test monthly subscription service priced at $11.99

    Whatsapp. Image credits - AARN GIRI / Unsplash

    New features introduced in Whatsapp’s latest update

    Microsoft has announced a new version of Bing

    Microsoft unveils new Bing with ChatGPT powers

    Trending Tags

    • Sillicon Valley
    • Climate Change
    • Election Results
    • Flat Earth
    • Golden Globes
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Mr. Robot
  • Coronavirus
  • Videos
  • Home
  • Around South Asia
    • All
    • Afghanistan
    • Bangladesh
    • Bhutan
    • China
    • India
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Pakistan
    • Sri Lanka
    US dollar notes

    China, Brazil strike deal to ditch dollar for trade

    Lankan High Commissioner Moragoda meets with the President of ISKCON Mumbai Centre

    Lankan High Commissioner Moragoda meets with the President of ISKCON Mumbai Centre

    Symposium on maritime security in the Bay of Bengal held in Colombo

    Symposium on maritime security in the Bay of Bengal held in Colombo

    Lankan envoy meets Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to discuss bilateral cooperation

    Lankan envoy meets Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to discuss bilateral cooperation

    Women’s collective seeks action against MP who allegedly assaulted Puttalam Quazi

    Women’s collective seeks action against MP who allegedly assaulted Puttalam Quazi

    Cryptocurrency

    Central Bank reiterates significant risks associated with using and investing in cryptocurrency

    Sri Lankan workers

    New employment scheme with Saudi Arabia sparks hope among Sri Lankan workers

    Bus fares to be decreased

    Bus fares to be reduced

    Fuel. Image credits - Wassim Chouak / Unsplash

    Fuel price reduced in Sri Lanka

  • World
    • All
    • Japan
    • Russia
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

    UAE leader names his son as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

    New Disney cruise ship to set sail from Singapore from 2025

    New Disney cruise ship to set sail from Singapore from 2025

    US dollar notes

    China, Brazil strike deal to ditch dollar for trade

    bird flu

    Chile detects first case of bird flu in a human

    Star Wars star Mark Hamill

    Star Wars star Mark Hamill lends voice to air raid alert app to warn Ukrainians of Russian strikes

    moon samples

    New source of water found in moon samples from China mission

    Population

    World ‘population bomb’ may never go off as feared – new study

    India - Sri Lanka

    Travel to India in 50$?

    Manchester United. Image credits - Javid Naderi / Unsplash

    Qatar’s Al Thani submits new US$6 billion bid for Manchester United

  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Books
    • Gaming
    • Movie
    • Music
    • Series
    The gran who couldn’t: Indu Balachandran’s latest book is for readers of all ages

    The gran who couldn’t: Indu Balachandran’s latest book is for readers of all ages

    The Weeknd

    The Weeknd is the world’s most popular artist, Guinness World Records says

    Naatu Naatu has millions of views on YouTube and is a viral sensation over social media

    Watch: Oscar winning song Naatu Naatu

    Naatu Naatu has millions of views on YouTube and is a viral sensation over social media

    Indian song ‘Naatu Naatu’ from ‘RRR’ wins Oscar award for best song

    Naatu Naatu has millions of views on YouTube and is a viral sensation over social media

    Naatu Naatu: The RRR song primed for Oscar history

    Keanu Reeves

    11 of the best films to watch in March

    Netflix. Image credits - Souvik Banerjee @rswebsols / Unsplash

    Netflix cuts prices for subscribers in more than 30 countries

    Backstreet Boys

    Backstreet Boys to perform in India after 13 years

    Roald Dahl books

    Roald Dahl books rewritten to remove language deemed offensive

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Science
    • Travel
    moon samples

    New source of water found in moon samples from China mission

    Happy. Image credits - Lesly Juarez / Unsplash

    The world’s happiest countries for 2023

    Nepal. Image credits - Toomas Tartes / Unsplash

    Nepal bans solo trekkers throughout the country

    Air quality drops to ‘unhealthy’ level in Colombo

    Air quality drops to ‘unhealthy’ level in Colombo

    Scientists discover enzyme that turns air into electricity, providing a new clean source of energy

    Scientists discover enzyme that turns air into electricity, providing a new clean source of energy

    Toblerone chocolates

    Toblerone chocolates to lose “Swissness” criteria

    Significant increase of overweight and obese individuals in Sri Lanka

    Significant increase of overweight and obese individuals in Sri Lanka

    Vistara airlines to resume operations to Sri Lanka

    Vistara airlines to resume operations to Sri Lanka

    International airlines suspend some US flights over 5G uncertainty

    Saying no to inflight meals can help our planet

    Sri Lanka

    Where are 2023s tourists to Sri Lanka coming from?

    Trending Tags

    • Golden Globes
    • Mr. Robot
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Climate Change
    • Flat Earth
  • Tech
    Whatsapp. Image credits - AARN GIRI / Unsplash

    WhatsApp for iOS gets text detection feature: What is it and how to use

    Nokia

    Nokia changes iconic logo to signal strategy shift

    Selena Gomez and Kylie Jenner

    Selena Gomez dethrones Kylie Jenner on Instagram

    Facebook. Image credits - Solen Feyissa @solenfeyissa

    Facebook & Instagram to test monthly subscription service priced at $11.99

    Whatsapp. Image credits - AARN GIRI / Unsplash

    New features introduced in Whatsapp’s latest update

    Microsoft has announced a new version of Bing

    Microsoft unveils new Bing with ChatGPT powers

    Trending Tags

    • Sillicon Valley
    • Climate Change
    • Election Results
    • Flat Earth
    • Golden Globes
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Mr. Robot
  • Coronavirus
  • Videos
NewsIn.Asia
No Result
View All Result
Home Coronavirus

Lankan President stresses the need to prevent the economy from collapsing

Editor by Editor
August 20, 2021
in Coronavirus, Economy, Governance, Health, Sri Lanka, Top Story
Reading Time: 8 mins read
29 1
A A
Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Gotabaya Rajapaksa

41
SHARES
Share on WhatsApp

Colombo, August 20 (newsin.asia):  The Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in his address to the country on Friday, that given the dire economic situation in Sri Lanka, it is important to keep the economy humming with activity even as steps are taken to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to treat the infected.

He said that the only solution to the health crisis is full vaccination which his government is set to achieve by mid-September.

For similar articles, join our Whatsapp group for the latest updates. – click here

ADVERTISEMENT

Here is the full text of his address:-  

The accepted opinion of the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of medical experts and according to the global standardized methodology is that vaccination is the only solution for the COVID-19 pandemic.

That is why, I made a special commitment to bring in vaccines to Sri Lanka in the recent past. I personally spoke to the Heads of Governments in countries like China and India. I personally wrote letters to several other Heads of State. Discussions were held with vaccine producing countries through our Foreign Ministry, Ambassadors and High Commissioners. Our officials coordinated with vaccine manufacturing companies.

All these efforts were made because I wanted to vaccinate all the people of our country.

Read more – Health workers in Sri Lanka to be given COVID booster shots

As a result of this effort, the country is now receiving a large number of vaccines that we need monthly.

Initially, we received the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in India.

Afterwards, we were able to get the Sinopharm vaccine manufactured in China, but the administration of the vaccine to the public was delayed for about a month due to the delay in getting the vaccine approved by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). Nevertheless, the Government took measures to administer Sinopharm vaccine continuously since May 8 this year. In addition, we have received the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines from the United States, the AstraZeneca vaccines from Japan, and the Sputnik vaccines from Russia, placing us among the countries that administer the highest rates of COVID-19 vaccines to its people. As at the 19th of this month, a total of 12,019,193 vaccine doses have been administered as the First Dose.

Meanwhile, 5,124,185 vaccines have been administered to the people as the Second Dose. In addition, we have approximately three million doses of vaccines to be given as the Second Dose. Another 3 million doses will be received later in this month. At present, about 98% of the people who are above the age of 30, have been vaccinated while 43% have been given the both doses. By August 31, more than 81% of the population will be able to receive the second dose. By 10th of September, 100% can receive both the doses.

With this development, the number of patients and the number of deaths will decrease.

Read more – Over 97 percent of COVID-19 victims had not been vaccinated in Sri Lanka, data reveal

The Government took steps to vaccinate all frontline health workers, persons engaged in essential services such as ports, security services, and factory workers by giving them riority. People over the age of 60 were also vaccinated by giving them priority. In addition, more than a million factory workers under the age of 30 were also vaccinated.

We continue to follow the restrictive measures such as the imposition of inter-provincial travel restrictions across the country, isolation of Grama Niladhari Divisions, imposition of curfew, summoning only the essential public service employees to work, halting the functions like weddings, closure of certain businesses, ban on inter-provincial travel and prohibition of gatherings at places of worship.

We were able to successfully manage the first wave of the COVID-19 virus due to the actions that we took at that time. Such stern decisions had to be made at that time because there were no other options available at that time.

The country has to be placed under a complete lockdown for several months continuously. Through all these efforts, we were able to overcome the first COVID-19 wave.

Though we took measures to place the country under a lockdown occasionally, we should understand the consequences of this decision.

The lowest economic growth of the country since Independence was seen during the first wave of COVID-19 as a result of placing the country under lockdown.

Especially, the apparel sector that brought in a revenue of about USD 5 billion to Sri Lanka was gravely affected. Their orders were stopped. Many lost their jobs. Export earnings fell.

Our tourism industry, which generated over USD 4.5 billion and provided a livelihood to over 3 million people, completely collapsed. Hundreds of thousands of jobs were lost.

The occasional lockdown of the country dealt a severe blow to the construction industry. They are not able to bring in employees they require. It is not possible to obtain the raw material at the required time. Over the past one and half years, we have lost most of the expected local and foreign investments in this sector.

Subscribe to our Whatsapp channel for the latest updates on the news you need to know

Small and medium enterprises are another important sector of our local economy. The COVID-19 pandemic was a major obstacle for these businesses that contribute more than 50% of the GDP. Due to the continuous disruption of their business activities, these companies lost revenue and faced grave issues without being able to repay their loans or pay salaries.

Those who obtained leases for vehicles could not pay the installments. Housing loan borrowers could not settle the loan installments.

Addition to this, close to 4.5 million self-employed personnel and daily wage earners became helpless since they lost their sources of income completely.

Amidst all these obstacles, we also had the responsibility to keep the people alive. We did not abdicate that responsibility.

Each time the country was placed under a lockdown due to COVID-19 risks, we spend around Rs. 30 billion in each round to provide an allowance of Rs. 5,000 to the people who have become helpless without a daily income. The government has borne this cost on a number of occasions.

In addition to the cost of quarantine centres maintained by the government, each family quarantined in their own homes is provided with a relief package worth Rs. 10,000 for two weeks.

Even under this dire situation, the government has never taken any action to reduce the salaries or curtail the allowances of more than 1.4 million public servants.

Though our foreign exchange earnings dropped, we did not default on the government’s loan installments. We had to pay a colossal loan installment of about USD 4 billion a year as a result of the loans obtained by various governments in the past. All these loan installments were settled on time.

The country’s economy would be in great crisis if the country was put under another complete lockdown. It is not a situation that this country can bear. A large number of orders have been received by the apparel industry in the export sector. If we are not able to deliver these orders on time, we may lose a large amount of foreign exchange.

We are also making great efforts to rebuild the collapsed tourism industry. At the moment, nearly 200 tourists enter the country on daily basis.  If we close down the country, we will have to restart attracting tourists from the very beginning.

Moreover, by having to provide relief to the daily income earners, small and medium enterprises and companies once again due to a lockdown, the country’s economy will be gravely affected. The people should understand the impact of a complete lockdown. Today, except for a few countries, most others including economically powerful ones have fully opened up.

The tourism industry in the world is gradually recovering. The countries that are open today are taking advantage of that opportunity. Our country, which has a small economy should also take advantage of this opportunity. We can’t allow the country’s economy to collapse completely by refusing to take required action.

However, I have decided to impose a lockdown from 10 pm today till 4 am on 30th Monday of this month in order to contain the increase of COVID patients. 

This situation is not a rivalry or conflict between different ideologists, trade unions, doctors, other health officials and the government. We have to understand the reality. This is a serious issue that the whole world faces. Today, all the countries are adapting to the method of ‘New Normal’. As a government, we have properly taken all necessary measures that need to be taken.

Although the government does everything it can to provide oxygen, establish intermediate treatment centers and administer vaccines, it is the role of the doctors to manage patients appropriately. Also, I highly appreciate the service rendered by the doctors, nurses and all other health sector officials so far, despite the risk to their lives. I also pay my respects to the health sector officials belonging to all ranks who have sacrificed their lives.

It is clear that this is not a time for strike actions and protests. Do not attempt to destabilize the country.

Although the health sector looks at this issue from one angle, as a government we will have to manage the small economy in our country if we are to continue to pay off foreign debts, pay salaries, and provide subsidies without any interruption. 

Most of the people passed away from COVID-19 virus are over the age of 60. The majority of people out of them have been suffering from chronic diseases for a long time. And, they have not been vaccinated. People with these chronic diseases should seek treatment as soon as they develop COVID-19 symptoms. Therefore, I have advised the health sector to conduct Rapid Antigen Tests at least once a week targeting the people over 60 years who are suffering from chronic diseases.

I request everyone in the country to be prepared to make more sacrifices, if the country is to be placed under a lockdown for a longer period of time in the future.

At this crucial juncture, everyone should take the country forward strategically by acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

Therefore, I respectfully request everyone to work together in unity as a team to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.

END

Subscribe to our Whatsapp channel for the latest updates on the news you need to know

Tags: Address to the nationEconomypandemicPresident Gotabaya RajapaksaVaccination

Related Posts

Lankan High Commissioner Moragoda meets with the President of ISKCON Mumbai Centre
India

Lankan High Commissioner Moragoda meets with the President of ISKCON Mumbai Centre

March 30, 2023
Symposium on maritime security in the Bay of Bengal held in Colombo
Security

Symposium on maritime security in the Bay of Bengal held in Colombo

March 30, 2023
Lankan envoy meets Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to discuss bilateral cooperation
Development news

Lankan envoy meets Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to discuss bilateral cooperation

March 30, 2023
Women’s collective seeks action against MP who allegedly assaulted Puttalam Quazi
Politics

Women’s collective seeks action against MP who allegedly assaulted Puttalam Quazi

March 29, 2023
Cryptocurrency
Around South Asia

Central Bank reiterates significant risks associated with using and investing in cryptocurrency

March 29, 2023
Sri Lankan workers
Around South Asia

New employment scheme with Saudi Arabia sparks hope among Sri Lankan workers

March 29, 2023
  • Electricity

    Power cut schedule for today in Sri Lanka: Uninterrupted power supply

    60157 shares
    Share 24085 Tweet 15030
  • Registration open for National Fuel Pass

    6636 shares
    Share 2692 Tweet 1644
  • Foreign Currency Official Exchange Rates from Central Bank of Sri Lanka

    1799 shares
    Share 726 Tweet 447
  • WATCH : Yohani’s first live performance in India

    789 shares
    Share 328 Tweet 192
  • Power interruption schedule released: Check your area power cut time

    742 shares
    Share 320 Tweet 176
  • About Us
  • Advertisements
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

© 2022 All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Around South Asia
    • Afghanistan
    • Bangladesh
    • Bhutan
    • China
    • India
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Pakistan
    • Sri Lanka
  • Around The World
  • Breaking News
  • Business
    • Exchange
  • Climate Change
  • Governance
    • Crime
    • Diplomacy
    • Defense
    • Human Rights
    • Politics
    • Strategic Affairs
  • Lifestyle
    • Books
    • Entertainment
      • Arts
      • Cinema
      • Gaming
      • Music
      • Movie
      • Series
      • TV
    • Health
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Travel
  • Culture
    • Ethnicity
    • Gender
  • Development news
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Coronavirus
  • History
  • National
  • Offbeat
    • Media
    • Music and arts across South Asia
  • Recommended
    • Headlines
    • Highlights
    • Top Picture
    • Top Story
  • Religion
  • Science
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Cricket
      • LPL
      • IPL
    • Tennis
    • Formula 1
    • NBA
  • Tech
    • Instagram
  • United Nations
  • Weather
  • World
    • Japan
    • Russia
    • United States
  • Videos

© 2022 All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

eskisehir escort -

https://www.vudols.com/

- Sağlık Personeli - mersin escort - Antalya korsan taksi