• At this crucial juncture, everyone should take the country forward strategically by acknowledging the gravity of the situation
• Measures to place the country under a lockdown occasionally had grave consequences 
• 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 a lockdown 

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

In a situation where the Government has already imposed a ten-day lockdown, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday requested the general public to be prepared to make sacrifices if the country is to be placed under a lockdown for a longer period of time in the future.  

Addressing the Nation, he said at this crucial juncture, everyone should take the country forward strategically by acknowledging the gravity of the situation.  

“We were able to successfully manage the first wave of the COVID-19 virus due to some stern actions taken by the Government. Such stern decisions had to be made at the time because there were no other options available then,” the President pointed out.  

“The country had 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,” he said.  

He said the measures to place the country under a lockdown occasionally had grave consequences.   
“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 a lockdown,”  

However, considering the current COVID-19 situation, the President requested people to be prepared to make sacrifices if the lockdown is to be extended further.  

Therefore, he pleaded with everyone to work together in unity as a team to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.  
Meanwhile, the President has 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.  

• The President pleaded with everyone to work together in unity as a team to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.