Mahinda Rajapaksa, the prime minister of Sri Lanka, has acknowledged difficulties being faced by people due to restrictions in place because of the Covid-19 and said that the government was ready to face challenges like an epidemic or a disaster. 

Rajapaksa, while inaugurating a highway on Monday in Colombo, urged the people to understand that every life is precious and the government needed public support and cooperation for travel restrictions.

The remark came after heavy rain, floods, and landslides have killed over 17 people in the last one week in the country’s southern and eastern parts. Around 210,000 people have been affected by extreme weather conditions; many are still in government-sponsored shelters. 
 
The Covid-19 cases are still surging in Sri Lanka. The country has been in a nationwide lockdown for many weeks now. 

Currently, only essential services are permitted in the country. However, authorities have permitted people to go for vaccination in nearby centers. 

Opposition leaders, in recent weeks, have intensified attacks on the government for poor handling of the Covid situation in the country. 

 
(SAM)