Dhammika Perera joins battle against COVID-19

Business leader Dhammika Perera has joined the battle against the spread of new coronavirus (COVID-19), with a pledge to donate from his personal funds Rs. 70 million worth of urgent healthcare facilities.

He told Daily FT that an air freight order had been placed for six ICU ventilators for the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) as well as ship 485 hospital beds including 169 ICU beds for both children and adults.

This is the first major philanthropic announcement by a business leader on the battle against COVID-19 and in support of mitigation measures initiated by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Separately John Keells Holdings, Hemas Holdings and Citrus Leisure have announced release of one each of their hotels for the Government to use as quarantine centres if needed.

Five more persons have been confirmed with COVID-19 today, bringing the total to 77, according to the Health Promotion Bureau.

In addition, there are 245 persons suspected of infection in hospitals.

In 17 dedicated quarantine centres, there are 2,738 persons of whom 30 are foreigners. Several thousands who had returned from overseas are also engaged in self-quarantine in their homes as per the Government directive.