State Minister Dilum Amunugama says the health sector has not lost control of COVID-19 mitigation efforts.
Speaking to media in Kandy today, State Minister Amunugama said the government is not limited to one sector when reaching decisions in the face of the pandemic.
The State Minister claimed the government will take further action based on the advice of health experts if necessary to extend the quarantine curfew period.
State Minister Amunugama said there is no possibility of shutting down the country for a long period of time adding that both health and economic aspects must be considered.
He said there will be a spike in the number of infections as it is the nature of the coronavirus.
The State Minister said there will be no large reduction in the number of infections due to the quarantine curfew adding the virus will continue to spread even after a month-long lockdown.
State Minister Amunugama said a process to manage this must be formed.
The State Minister claimed while the government acts based on recommendations of health experts, it utilises Tri-Forces and the Police to implement recommendations.
He however said Tri-Forces and the Police do not reach decisions adding decisions are reached by the health sector.
State Minister Amunugama claimed all members of the government are ready to make sacrifices as President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa requested the public in the event the country requires a lengthier lockdown.
The State Minister claimed government members are already engaged in relief efforts in respective electorates.
He said there is no debate that public representatives must be ready to make sacrifices as required.
