Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena briefed the Diplomatic community on the situation of the COVID-19 epidemic and the preventive measures the Government contemplates taking.
The Foreign Minister apprised that adequate preventive measures to curtail the transmission of the virus have been taken by the Government. While appreciating the role of the media he urged the media to be cautious in disseminating the correct information to the public so as not to give into panic unnecessarily, whilst being agile to the dangers of the virus.
Health Ministry officials,World Health Organisation Resident Representative, the IOM, Department of Immigration, Airport authorities and officials of the Sri Lanka Army were present.
Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha informed Sri Lanka's preparedness and the resultant successful evacuation of Sri Lankan students from Wuhan. The Secretary appreciated the cooperation of the Chinese Government towards this end. He also said that no foreign national will be allowed to be discriminated on account of unfounded fear of the virus, a sentiment clearly expressed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Health Director General Dr Anil Jasinghe stated that the threat of COVID-19 has reached a level of public health emergency of international concern and as a result, the Health Ministry has embarked on a vigorous plan to strengthen the domestic health facilities.
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