National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka Divakar Ratnadurai has raised concerns over the current COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka, after a number of children, youth, and staff members across Sri Lanka had tested positive for COVID-19.
Issuing a statement, Divakar Ratnadurai “We are deeply concerned about the current COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka. As an organization, we have made it a priority to do everything we can to safeguard all of our children, youth, mothers, and staff.”
Despite all these safety and precautionary measures in place at all our villages across the country, a number of children, youth, and staff members, both residential and non-residential, have been confirmed as positive for COVID-19.
At our Piliyandala Children’s Village (CV) a total of 48 residents have been affected, including 40 children and youth, and 08 residential staff including mothers. A further 42 non-residential youth and staff attached to the Piliyandala CV have also been confirmed to be COVID-19 positive.
Moreover, 10 youth and staff from the Anuradhapura CV, 04 youth and staff from the Jaffna CV, 02 youth from the Galle CV, and 02 youth from the Monaragala CV have also tested positive for COVID-19, he said.
Ratnadurai further said “We immediately took the necessary steps to quarantine all affected individuals as per the guidelines given by relevant health authorities. We further reassure that they are safe and receiving all necessary medical treatment, and we look forward to their speedy recovery.”
“We have taken steps to temporarily put on hold all our ongoing projects in the country and have completely closed all 6 of our Children’s Villages to any outside visitors. Essential items are sent to these Villages through contactless delivery mechanisms to ensure all their requirements continue to be met,” he added.
The National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka said the inevitable truth is that we are dealing with a contagious and evolving virus, in the face of which our utmost priority remains the health and well-being of our children and youth, and the mothers and staff who are responsible for their care. Hence, we will continue to closely monitor any developments, while ensuring the maximum safety and precautionary measures are adhered to. (NewsWire)