Defence Ministry refutes allegations on Navy concealing COVID-19 information

Colombo (News 1st); The Defence Ministry strongly denies allegations against the Sri Lanka Navy that it refrains from providing information about sailors, who are infected with coronavirus, to health authorities.

Since the identification of the first coronavirus-infected naval person on April 22nd, the Navy had expanded PCR tests for naval personnel who are performing duties at the Welisara Naval Complex, said the Defence Ministry in a statement.

Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne categorically refuting accusations that the Sri Lanka Navy is covering up the real situation related to spread of the coronavirus within the SLN, said the Tri-Forces including the Sri Lanka Navy were maintaining a strict transparent process of disseminating information on coronavirus infected military personnel and the testing process.

While contract tracing is in process, the SriLanka Navy personnel, who have been identified as coronavirus positives through PCR tests, are being sent to hospitals for treatment.

The statement adds, information on PCR tests done on naval personnel, including all the details of both positive and negative cases, has been duly submitted to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the office of the Director-General of Health Services, Directorates of Health Services in all districts and the Sri Lanka Police by the SLN.