Sri Lanka's Health DG frowns on mass gatherings as SLPP readies for ‘Podujana Rally’

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Deputy Director-General of Public Health Services, Dr. Hemanth Herath has slammed the organizing of mass gatherings in the wake of the COVID-19 spread in the island.

'This is not something that needs to be said over again. Most citizens in the country are literate. Therefore, we need not have to keep repeating the need to adhere to health guidelines when organizing gatherings," he told reporters on Wednesday (9).

He said it is paramount for organizers and participants to ensure they follow the necessary health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, noting that if a person is infected that person's family will eventually fall victim to the virus.

Dr. Hemanth Herath's comments came as a public rally named the ‘Podujana Rally’ is to be held on Wednesday (9) at 2 p.m. at the Salgado Stadium in Anuradhapura with the participation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

SLPP Anuradhapura District Leader S.M. Chandrasena is organizing the event.