The National Organization of Intellectuals states that the government has no target or programme to control the covid epidemic despite spreading throughout the country.
This was revealed by the representatives of the National Intellectuals Organization at a media briefing convened today (19) to explain the situation faced by the Kovid epidemic. Senior Professor of the Ragama Medical Faculty, Dr Krishantha Abeysena, Secretary of the National Intellectuals Association, Dr Nihal Abeysinghe, Media Spokesperson of the National Intellectuals Association, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara addressed the media.
There are comic characters around the government and in the anti-covid committees, says Specialist Physician, Prof. Krishantha Abeysena
It has been about a month since the travel restrictions were imposed. However, so far, the number of patients or the number of deaths has not decreased. Also, there is much disbelief about the data. We have been with Covid for two years. Fear of disease and fear of death has not decreased.
The price of essential items is unbearable. The farmers and fisherman have been made helpless. There is no programme to protect the environment. Fuel prices have increased. People have been affected by all this.
Meanwhile, people have no idea when the covid epidemic will end. On the other hand, the country is being sold by passing various laws. Also, the country is being militarized.
We have been saying that there is no proper program to control covid. There is no programme today as well. The government has neither a target for the covid control nor a programme. The programmes presented by the government and various committees have all failed. Meanwhile, officials are accused to conceal the incompetence of the government. Officers are transferred. It has already been decided to transfer the Director of the Epidemiology Unit, Dr Sudath Samaraweera. We think the epidemiology department makes decisions collectively. The Epidemiology Unit should lead Covid programme. It is the responsibility of the government to address the shortcomings. We condemn the attempt to cover up the incompetence of the government by blaming officials. If the finger is pointed at the officers, Shavendra Silva should be transferred first as he is not a health expert. There is a problem there. There is a saying in society that Shavendra Silva is like Freddy Silva. I would not say that. But today, it is not only Freddie Silva who is around the covid repression force around this government; there are also those who adorn the garbs of Samuel, Bertie and Annesley, the most famous comedians in the country. There are also wolves that have adorned the garbs of sheep. The government should be careful of them. All cannot do Covid control.
This government does not have a target or a programme for the suppression of covid. Therefore, the anti-covid programme in our country needs to be reorganized. A programme should be formulated at the national level, provincial level and district level. Only then can accurate data be obtained. All existing systems have failed. If there is a proper programme, we can suppress covid
There will be a tragedy if steps are not taken to make the right decisions – Specialist Dr Nihal Abeysinghe
Controlling an epidemic like covid is not an easy task. one or more specialist doctors can decide if it concerns only one patient. Nevertheless, in the event of an epidemic, decisions must be made as a society. As a country, it needs to be more precise in making decisions. Also, knowledge, data, information, understanding and experience are all required. All those involved must have knowledge, understanding, skills and experience. Decisions that are taken affect the lives of a large number of people. Therefore, decision makers should take responsibility for those decisions.
Covid is a challenge not only to us but to the whole world. Therefore, the decisions we make should be based on facts. It requires accurate data. Also, the decisions taken should be explained to the people. A month ago, it was decided to impose travel restrictions. People need to know about it. An individual and a family need to be made aware of this. Only then can the disease be controlled. Therefore, decision making alone is not enough. The people, too, should have a complete understanding of those decisions. An environment should be created so that the people would agree with those decisions. There should be a system for children’s education, about food and drink. That is why there is a government. A government is needed to manage everything that happens due to the epidemic. However, the decisions taken by the government now have created confusion among the people. It has affected the survival of the family.
Various groups offer various advice. Civil society organizations, trade unions, politicians all advise. There should be a team of experts who take all this advice and make the right decisions. That group should include epidemiologists, public health specialists, clinical practitioners, sociologists, behavioural scientists, lawyers, and economists. Decisions have to be made by a team of all these people. There could be minor drawbacks when dealing with an epidemic like this. However, the decisions taken by a panel of experts should be implemented. It is the task that the government and the Ministry of Health should take over. Otherwise, controlling such an epidemic will not be easy.
Furthermore, now all decisions are made centrally. But there are various differences in the districts of our country. The living conditions of the people are different. Hospital facilities, public facilities, educational facilities, human resources are different. Therefore, even if decisions are taken centrally, decisions affecting the respective districts should be implemented in a decentralized manner. Such a system makes it easier for the administrative officers and specialists in each area to carry out their work. It is easier for the people in Ampara, Moneragala and Vavuniya to understand the behaviour and needs of their people.
There is also a great deal of experience about this epidemic globally. We must take advantage of that experience. Many people know that in 2002 and 2003, there was an epidemic called SARS. The World Health Organization shared its experience of that epidemic with countries around the world. So we already know how to deal with an epidemic like this. The first is the need for good communication on all issues. People should be made aware of the data that has been obtained with correct information. Political and state intervention must be done systematically. We also need to create an environment where people and the media can study what they are getting. The other is to manage the health sector, food security, transportation and so on. The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to take action based on knowledge. At the same time, people need to have confidence in the decisions that are made. A successful programme should be implemented in the country with the cooperation of other countries. Countries such as China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, New Zealand and Australia learned within the epidemic, and it was relatively successfully controlled.
However, the epidemic has not been brought under control in our country. The reason for this is that decision making is not entrusted to a team of experts. The government does not seem to listen to scholars. There is no discussion. It is for these reasons that 2500 patients and 50 deaths are reported in our country every day. Our country was at a high level of immunity and disease prevention earlier. However, because of covid, it is becoming a failed state. Therefore, the correct course of action should be taken with the support of everyone.
Mr President, hand over this country to the people without mortgaging it to another country – Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara
Our country is a country where the system has failed. I have never seen a system fail before. But I see it now. The government does not have proper management. Also, it has become a failed government that has no answers to the sensitive issues of the people. The Quarantine Ordinance we use is one of the 1800s. At least they have not been able to change it yet. Countries like England amended and adopted those laws. What did we do? When the corona came, the parliament was dissolved, and an election was held. Not only that, the President made challenges without understanding the situation properly.
Curfew was imposed, and notices were issued. The gazette was not issued. It is against the law. Therefore, a great deal of mistrust has been created in this country. Even though they say “one country, one law”, different things happen. What is said today will change tomorrow. People are starving and are in fear of death. At times we have seen people being carried away for violating quarantine laws. Carrom boards are put on the heads of some. Another news report said that a man who went without a mask died after being arrested. He came home the next day in a box. This has become such a barbaric society. These things happen because there is no proper legal system. As such, this power is vested in the relevant authority and not the police. It is with the Director General of Health for the whole country, but if it is an area, the health officer of that area. The police do not have quarantine powers at any time. Quarantine is used by the police to punish people. Punishment should be given by the court. Infected people should be sent to quarantine centres.
And, there is much suspicion regarding the data we get. This government came to power by bringing snakes. The government is lying and deceiving the people. The government also thinks that the corona can be deceived by lying. While the rest of the world was searching for a cure for the epidemic, our country threw pots into the river, distributed machines to make honey. Ministers promoted honey. The myth was sown. What we are facing now are their consequences. Also, the incompetence of this government is being thrust on the officials, and attempts are being made to transfer them. There are three ministers to take care of health. There are health officials. In such a situation, the government tells us that corona deaths cannot be calculated accurately. Data is hidden from society so that society would not know the correct situation. These situations arise only when their own lies deceive them.
People will understand the seriousness if the correct data is available. Why did people walk around the country last April? The government did not give information to the people. The government had information that there was a powerful coronavirus in the country. They put up posters at every light pole during the election. But what steps have been taken to make people aware of the seriousness of this situation? The epidemic could be exacerbated if people do not understand the seriousness due to a lack of information.
Petrol prices have gone up. The price of milk powder is to increase. People cannot afford the prices of goods. Many self-employed people have no way to do their job. If it goes this way, the economy and health of the country will not be able to recover. Despite all that, the GSP concession will be lost due to the failure of this government to protect human rights. This government is destroying our country. The government has completely ruined the vaccination programme. There is no scientific programme. Vaccination has not been used to reduce the death toll or to protect the economy. Without any scientific basis, vaccination was carried out from area to area. A few to Colombo and a few to Gampaha. If the Minister asks, a few for Minister’s village. Economic instability or health instability cannot be ended this way.
That is why we tell the President that “the country was handed over to you for five years. Please hand over the country back to the people without mortgaging the country. Do not sell the resources of the country. Do not destroy the country. Do not go down in history as a leader who plunged our country into the abyss. We also ask the people to rally to save this country.”
