Stay Sane

Over the past twelve days social media in Colombo has been like an atomic explosion with one accusation after another following a cluster of Covid-19 patients being admitted to hospitals.  This went on to be several clusters and over a thousand Covid-19 cases.  The thrashing of each other was something else. Such reaction will have to be put down to panic as the fear of getting this virus is frightening.  Villagers have gone into hiding if they feel they have contracted the virus.  Can you imagine the fear of our city people who worry most about having to spend a fortnight at the IDH in Colombo? The sad fact is that it could have been anyone of us in this situation. The virus is probably everywhere and anyone of us could contract it.  Wishing the worst for those who have picked the virus and cursing those who may have transmitted it unwittingly is not the solution. Being sane and safe is the greatest protection. Bantering with others is not. 

It was also noteworthy that when one of the victims was called a scarlet woman that none of the key board warriors and women activists murmured a word in the woman’s defence.  Going up against huge conglomerates are not their thing.   Some others attempted to defend the blamed party, as in all situations there are gold diggers, even during a pandemic.  

The Government and Armed Forces are doing their best to keep the situation under control.  Fortunately, a new law, making mask wearing and maintaining physical distancing compulsory with a big penalty or jail term for defaulters, is to be gazetted soon. It is time that all of us take responsibility by following all the safety regulations and precautions and staying away from public places as much as possible. All of this will have an impact on many establishments, such as bars, restaurants, events, hotels and many other industries. However, we must understand that it is a world-wide pandemic, and everyone is in trouble. Best is to stop the blame game and act sane and take care of one’s self in this turbulent and uncertain times. Perhaps prayer or divine intervention is what we need in this terrible year and years to come.

It is time that all of us take responsibility by following all the safety regulations and precautions and staying away from public places as much as possible

Moving on to another compassionate and worthy cause. The Indira Cancer Trust were planning many events to raise money for needy breast cancer patients. October being Breast Cancer Awareness month many functions and events had been planned to raise money towards the Foundation for their work. It would be generous if those who were planning to attend any of these events would yet contribute towards this very worthy cause. Many already have, I have been told.  

Donations could be made to:
Indira Cancer Trust
Commercial Bank, Duplication Road
A/C 868 002 4505
Thereafter email - [email protected]
and they will issue you a receipt.

It will be an awfully long time
before any large gatherings could be organised owing to the spreading of this very virulent virus.