(UTV | COLOMBO) – The government says an unanticipated issue has arisen in the country due to the discovery of a large number of COVID-19 patients who returned to Sri Lanka from Kuwait.
However speaking at the Weekly Cabinet Media Briefing today, Co-Cabinet Media Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana said despite the prevailing circumstances the governments repatriation efforts will continue, although according to a new and effective system.
He noted that there are no emergency measures in place to hastily bring patients and expatriates to Sri Lanka, however adding the Ministry of Foreign Relations and Labor continue to review the situation daily.
The Co-Cabinet Spokesman said an initiative will be introduced to effectively and safely repatriate and quarantine all persons who hope to return to the country.
Also speaking at the media briefing Co-Cabinet Media Spokesman Minister Ramesh Pathirana said none of the overseas returnees who were tested positive for the virus are in serious condition.
Minister Pathirana said the government as a responsible administration took steps to repatriate Lankans from Kuwait even though they may have been infected with the virus as they were faced with difficulties in the country.
He stressed that effective follow ups and treatment are being conducted for all returnees, adding however steps will be taken to expand facilities for their treatment.
Minister Pathirana further noted therefore that plans are in place to ensure that facilities at hospitals are improved and health services are ensured to be capable of successfully managing all patients.