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

A: In comparison to the responses of other developed countries around the world, in my opinion Sri Lanka has performed exceptionally in handling COVID-19. The early intervention and proactive actions have helped contain the spread of the virus, and keep it in clusters.

I believe we’re doing very well, and will do our best to come out of this strategically and methodically. The experienced healthcare workers, supported by the efforts of the forces and police, are working diligently.

This is an unprecedented situation the whole world must overcome; yet, Sri Lanka has done commendably. The coronavirus pandemic may very well serve as a turning point for Sri Lanka to become a clean country – meaning that we can learn from this to prevent future medical emergencies.


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

A: COVID-19 has made it abundantly clear to the business community that it did not have sufficient contingency plans and the capacity to operate during a pandemic. This is an eye-opener for companies to be more cautious and prudent in their future investments, savings and developments. The crisis has compelled businesses to think out of the box, and find new and innovative approached run their daily activities.

And since we are still in the middle of the crisis, there will be more lessons to learn as it unfolds. An overarching lesson for the public is that steps should be taken to create a more self-sufficient national economy, which relies on its own agriculture and cultivation rather than imports.

Q: How do you see the ‘new normal’ for business panning out?

A: As I mentioned earlier, businesses around the world have never faced such a phenomenon. I think the new normal for businesses will encompass change and the evolution of business trends.

There will be a greater emphasis on essential goods and protecting their supply for at least the next 12 months. We may see a boom in e-commerce as many would find this to be a safer option rather physically going out to purchase goods and services. I believe that everyone will have a different outlook; it’s hard to say at the moment but perhaps the trend will be to ‘wait and see’ in the short term at least.

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