Q: How do you view Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 response so far? What are the pros and cons?

A: At this juncture, COVID-19 seems invincible. However, while the global pandemic is unprecedented, Sri Lanka’s response has been a great success especially in managing the prevalence of infections.

The positive factors are the synergy between important stakeholders in driving the action plan, healthcare officials, the tri-forces and police, and government officials. We must commend the tireless efforts by all these parties to protect the general public from contracting this virus on a large scale.

It is also heartening to see how financial institutions and the private sector have risen to the challenge to ensure that essential services are uninterrupted, often working under trying conditions to serve people during the lockdown.

As for negative factors, there are no past scenarios to help decision making so it is hard to blame any single party for any setback.

Worldwide, every country is moving forward through trial and error by trying various methods. Sri Lanka is no different. The success of the country’s response will largely depend on how citizens respond to the official directives.

As always, Sri Lankans have come together at a difficult time with high spirits, which is an added plus.


Q: In your view, how should the authorities balance the twin imperatives of safety and the economy?

A: As global healthcare experts have warned, this pandemic will affect people for years if a successful vaccine isn’t discovered. The safety of people is of paramount importance but no country can be closed for a prolonged period. Economic activities must go on – financial markets should function and industries must be revived.

The strategies adopted by other nations show that when the curve begins to flatten, normal activities may commence on a staggered basis. I gather this is what the authorities are planning for Sri Lanka as well. The reality is that everyone will have to take additional precautions to ensure not only their personal hygiene but also the safety of others.  Businesses will have to ensure the safety of their employees and customers.

Authorities have already provided clear guidelines for personal safety and everyone should follow them carefully.

Q: What lessons have we – the business community – learnt from this crisis?

 A: Undoubtedly, the importance of business continuity planning (BCP) is an important lesson to take away from this crisis. It certainly helps a business cope with unprecedented events such as this and enables it to devise strategies to revive operations smoothly.

This pandemic has also brought new opportunities to re-evaluate business models, distribution systems, investments and operations as a whole. It has reminded businesses of the need to build cash reserves when operating conditions are normal, which can mitigate the impact during times of crisis.

In summary, while the pandemic has led to severe economic repercussions across all industries (including life-threatening repercussions for a few specific key industries such as tourism and apparel), it is also expected to provide new opportunities and avenues for future growth.

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