Basil says Govt. plans to make SL first COVID-19 free country in South Asia

• Port City Colombo donates PCR equipment and testing kits valued at over Rs. 20 m, aiding the fight against COVID-19

Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication Chairman Basil Rajapaksa yesterday said the Government plans to make Sri Lanka the first COVID-19 free country in South Asia.

He gave this assurance after the Government received a PCR testing machine and 5,000 PCR test kits worth over Rs. 20 million from CHEC Port City Colombo.

On behalf of CHEC Port City Colombo Ltd. Managing Director Jiang Houliang, CPCC Asst. Managing Director Yue Yeqing handed over the equipment to Rajapaksa.

Also present at the occasion were State Minister of Primary Health Services, Pandemics and COVID-19 Prevention Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Channa Jayasumana, State Minister of Dhamma Schools, Pirivenas and Bhikkhu Education Vijitha Berugoda, Secretary to the State Ministry of Primary Health Services, Pandemics and COVID-19 Prevention Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva, Port City Colombo Executive Project Management Director Raja Edirisuriya, Port City Colombo Director Sales and Marketing Yamuna Jayaratne, and Port City Colombo Head of Public Relations Kassapa Senarath.

Rajapaksa appreciated the timely donation made by Port City Colombo and handed over the PCR testing machine and test kits to the State Ministry of Primary Health Services, Pandemics and COVID-19 Prevention for immediate use. 

State Minister Fernandopulle stated that the PCR machine will be first installed in the Gampaha district to support and increase ongoing daily PCR testing. Rajapaksa stated that the Government plans to vaccinate the entire nation for COVID-19 as per WHO standards and hopes to be recognised as a COVID-19 eradicated country. 

Port City Colombo representatives also took the opportunity to update Rajapaksa about the present progress of the project. 

Rajapaksa expressed his positive ambitions regarding the project becoming a modern services and financial hub in South Asia with the introduction of the Special Economic Zone act in the near future. He was also confident about attracting FDIs to the country through the development of Port City Colombo this year.

Over the past few months, Port City Colombo has donated protective gear to authorities on multiple occasions, inclusive of a donation of 10,000 masks to the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, 2,000 masks to Sri Lanka Customs and Rs. 6 million in donations to Colombo Manning Wholesale Market, Sri Lanka Police, Kalutara Nagoda Hospital, Department of Information and the Ministry of Health. 

Further to this, Port City Colombo’s latest donation was made in November 2020 where 20,000 surgical masks were donated to Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, extending further support to the health authorities in controlling the spread of COVID-19. At this event, the Health Minister expressed her appreciation for Port City Colombo’s donation and also requested for PCR instruments and test kits as it was an immediate requirement. Port City Colombo Managing Director assured that the company would comply with this request and met the requirement a mere few months later, in February 2021.

With more and more citizens testing positive around the island, the donation comes at a time of dire need for Sri Lanka, where all efforts need to be made in order to aid in the fight against the deadly pandemic. Port City Colombo continues to make significant donations to the government and urges all Sri Lankans to be responsible and adhere to health guidelines, maintain good hygiene and remain vigilant.