Government spokesman and former State Minister of Investment Promotion, Keheliya Rambukwella , said when we observe the world trend, as a percentage we have been able to maintain a very good recovery rate of COVID-19 affected patients. This indicates that our health sector is working extremely well with early identification of COVID-19 patients and treating them. In an interview with the Sunday Observer, former State Minister Rambukwella said the discipline of the people is the most important factor to control the spread ofCOVID-19 in the country. He said, if the people are not disciplined and willing to adhere to the instructions given by the health authorities, the pandemic will go out of control.
Rambukwella said in his opinion the country should be locked down for at least another two weeks. However, our supply chain should be much more effective. At present it is adequate, but there are areas where it has not reached the people. Even if the country is locked down for another two weeks, we should look into the supply chain and ensure that it reaches every corner of the country.
Excerpts:
Q: The number of COVID-19 cases in the country has gone up to 198 with seven deaths reported. Does this mean we have reached an alarming situation and if so, what preventive steps have been taken to arrest the situation?
A: Even if one more case is found, we have to be cautious and take precautionary measures. It is said that one COVID-19 affected person can infect at least 500 people. At the same time, looking at the world trend, as a percentage we have been able to maintain a good recovery rate of COVID-19 affected patients. This means our health sector is working extremely well with early identification of coronavirus cases and treating them.
Q: An indefinite curfew has been imposed in the Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Puttalam, Kandy and Jaffna districts. Will the Government take steps to lift the curfew in these districts for certain hours like in the other districts or will it be continued indefinitely?
A: It has to be decided by the Government. My personal opinion is that we should lock down the country for at least another two weeks. However, our supply chain should be much more effective. At present it is adequate, but there are certain areas where it has not reached the people. This has to be looked into. We should look into this and ensure that it reaches every corner of the country. Even if the country is locked down for another two weeks the supply chain has to be maintained. Also, we have to increase the testing facilities forCOVID-19 in hospitals. These are the two areas that need priority to bring the situation under control.
Q: Medical experts have pointed out that the irresponsible conduct of some people has led to the spread of the disease. Has the Government looked into this issue to take action against those who resort to such irresponsible behaviour?
A: Of course. To control the spread of the disease we need medical facilities and awareness of the disease. However, the discipline of the people is also an important factor to control its spread. If the people are not disciplined and not willing to adhere to the instructions given by the health authorities, the pandemic could go out of control.
Q: Despite the guidelines issued by the Government and the security forces, there is a rapid increase in the number of those who violate the curfew. What have you to say about this?
A: The Government is very much concerned about it. That is why they use different types of media to educate the people to refrain from interacting with others, as they would then make matters worse for the whole nation. I think discipline should be inculcated in every citizen of the country. In countries like Japan, they are so disciplined that you only have to make the announcement and the people adhere to it strictly.
Q: Medical experts have warned about the increase of COVID-19 cases during the final week of April. Has the Government focused attention on this?
A: I would say the ongoing curfew should be continued and checking of people carried out and serious action should be taken against those who violate the law.
Q: The Election Commission Chairman in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister has stated that amidst the coronavirus outbreak, some politicians through the distribution of goods have engaged in politics to promote themselves and their party. How would you respond to this claim?
A: Anybody can make such claims and statements. The fact is, every people’s representative has a role to play as they are elected members. Even if there is dissolution of Parliament, they have to mingle with the people. The public sector and the elected representatives must work together. I am not talking of party politics. It may be green, blue, red, purple or any other colour. But as people’s representatives, we should get involved in the entire operation.
Q: A group of representatives of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led by its leader, Sajith Premadasa, met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on April 6 and once again requested to reconvene Parliament. As the President had stated except to extend the state of emergency, there is no legal provision to reconvene Parliament at this juncture. Could you explain?
A: Whether there is provision or not, what is the significance of reconvening Parliament at this juncture? If the need arises and if there is a constitutional provision, then I think we should not violate the Constitution. All those things are secondary to the current situation. All the parties must get together to overcome this crisis. If their personal interest is only to reconvene Parliament, that is because of their ulterior motives. They know that to reconvene Parliament is not possible at this point. We cannot run away from this challenge. We have to accept this challenge and get over it. That must be the priority, not reconvening Parliament or having unnecessary debates in Parliament.
Q: The Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has told the media that the Government under the pretext of the COVID-19 pandemic attempts to cover up its shortcomings. What are your comments on this?
A: I think we should not respond to those statements made by Sajith Premadasa.
Q: The Sri Lankan Rupee remains under tremendous pressure given the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and it has further depreciated to Rs.200 against the US Dollar. How would this affect our economy?
A: These are unavoidable circumstances. At the same time, our export market will also have certain benefits while we will have a serious problem with the importation of oil. These are the consequences and the dark side of the story during times of such crises. This is a global phenomenon and we have not been singled out
Q: As former State Minister of Investment Promotion, how do you look at the corona outbreak impact on our investments?
A: First, we have to solve the ongoing crisis in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is only after that can we think of solving everything else. At present, all the major areas such as foreign employment, tourism and foreign investment are seriously affected. This is not something that has been done purposely, but a consequence of the challenges faced by the entire world due to the corona outbreak.
Q: Don’t you think the need of the hour is for all political parties irrespective of political differences to extend their support to the Government to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in the country?
A: That should be the primary objective of all political parties whether it is green, blue, red or any other colour. At this critical juncture, irrespective of political differences they should extend their support to the Government’s battle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
Q: Are you satisfied with the joint efforts of the Government, health authorities and Tri-forces to combat the COVID-19 outbreak in the country?
A: The efforts of the health authorities, Tri-forces and the Police to control the coronavirus pandemic will be assessed by the public. In addition, some state trading institutions such as the CWE and the Co-operative Societies are assisting to keep the supply chain going. These are two areas where it has to go hand in hand. When the curfew is imposed countrywide, the supply chain should function without interruptions. At the moment, all these groups are working well.
Q: The people in certain areas have faced difficulty in getting food commodities and other requirements. Has the Special Presidential Task Force on Essential Services looked into these issues?
A: Definitely. On Wednesday too, the Presidential Task Force had a meeting. The idea was to see how best we could fulfil our task on behalf of the people. As I mentioned earlier, if the supply chain breaks down, discipline also breaks down and it becomes impossible to maintain law and order properly. At the moment, we can be satisfied with the ongoing program. However, it has to function without any interruption.
Q: Do you think the Chairman of the Election Commission will fix a fresh date for the General Election once the country is fully recovered from the coronavirus pandemic?
A: According to my knowledge, the Election Commission Chairman is empowered to declare an election within the next three months. Thereafter, there are certain constitutional constraints which will arise, and we need to seriously look into them. However, it is too early to comment on such things right now.