COVID-19 – A chance to change
Daily FT|March 31, 2020
A chance to change
Ravi Perera
COVID-19 – A chance to change

Although with a virus as tenacious it is far too soon to bless the day, relative to many other countries, we appear to have done well in containing and even preventing the spread of the dreaded COVID19 thus far.

In terms of numbers (of the afflicted), for a densely populated island, Sri Lanka’s figure of only one hundred plus two (as of 25 March), gives reason for optimism. Many Developed countries, possessed of much more resources and advanced medical facilities, are stricken badly, with daily mounting fatalities. COVID-19 is a great equaliser.

All the “Kng’s horses and all the King’s men” of the Developed countries in the form of nuclear submarines, fighter planes, and war tanks give no protection against the virus. Today, they find themselves in the same boat as the poor recipients of their development aid. Such is the enormity of the contagion that it is commonly said that some of these rich countries have given up on the afflicted elderly, concentrating on protecting the rest of the population.

This, however, may be more a misconception than the reality, arising out of the hour by hour responses of a medical establishment overwhelmed by an unprecedented crisis. Almost all developed countries have ageing populations, it should be noted.

Small is beautiful in more ways than one. Unlike continental countries, it is easier to lockdown a smallish island. As a country, we are also very well connected via the internet and mass media, particularly the TV and radio, invaluably useful for the purposes of informing and regulating.

Although we import a large percentage of the food we consume, including the staples, the country also produces a rich bounty of rice, yams, vegetables and fruits, a definite advantage in a global lockdown.

This story is from the March 31, 2020 edition of Daily FT.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 31, 2020 edition of Daily FT.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DAILY FTView All
Coronavirus And The Remote Working Revolution
Daily FT

Coronavirus And The Remote Working Revolution

Only a small spark is needed to light a great fire. A virus called COVID-19 originating from China was the spark that has started the remote working revolution. With a study in UK saying social distancing may need to last for up to 18 months, remote working will be the norm for over a year.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 02, 2020
Novel Coronavirus – The Message
Daily FT

Novel Coronavirus – The Message

Leading scientists have said that the COVID-19 outbreak is a "clear warning shot" to assess our current situation. Nature is sending us a message with the coronavirus pandemic The COVID-19 crisis may provide an oppurtunity for change, but we are not convinced it will be taken.

time-read
5 mins  |
April 02, 2020
Over Rs. 32M From Fonterra To Support Communities And Nation In Fight Against Covid-19
Daily FT

Over Rs. 32M From Fonterra To Support Communities And Nation In Fight Against Covid-19

Continuation of milk purchasing ensures safeguarding of local dairy farmer livelihoods.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 02, 2020
Why SL Companies Should Help Society In The Face Of The New Coronavirus Outbreak
Daily FT

Why SL Companies Should Help Society In The Face Of The New Coronavirus Outbreak

Why SL companies should help society in the face of the new coronavirus outbreak

time-read
3 mins  |
April 02, 2020
Back to the future, forward to the past
Daily FT

Back to the future, forward to the past

Back to the future, forward to the past

time-read
10+ mins  |
April 02, 2020
Are We Prepared For The Economic Doomsday Resulting From The Covid-19 Pandemic?
Daily FT

Are We Prepared For The Economic Doomsday Resulting From The Covid-19 Pandemic?

Are we prepared for the economic doomsday resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic?

time-read
8 mins  |
April 01, 2020
Emirates SkyCargo Calibrates Cargo Operations To Better Connect Global Markets
Daily FT

Emirates SkyCargo Calibrates Cargo Operations To Better Connect Global Markets

Emirates SkyCargo calibrates cargo operations to better connect global markets

time-read
3 mins  |
April 01, 2020
More ‘April Fools' You
Daily FT

More ‘April Fools' You

More ‘April Fools’ you

time-read
6 mins  |
April 01, 2020
Need For Rapid Expansion In Testing For Covid-19 In Sri Lanka
Daily FT

Need For Rapid Expansion In Testing For Covid-19 In Sri Lanka

Need for rapid expansion in testing for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka

time-read
4 mins  |
April 01, 2020
State ownership of commercial enterprises in the time of pandemic
Daily FT

State ownership of commercial enterprises in the time of pandemic

State ownership of commercial enterprises in the time of pandemic

time-read
4 mins  |
March 31, 2020