President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has discussed the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa.
During a telephone call, the two leaders appraised each other on the impacts of the global crisis on their respective countries and the precautionary measures that have been implemented to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Discussing the unprecedented challenges the sudden spread of COVID-19 poses to the well-being of their respective citizens, the president and the prime minister outlined the steps being taken to ensure that their facilities do not become overburdened, highlighting the importance of precautionary measures such as physical distancing, and ensuring there are beds and equipment in place for a potentially exponential increase in patients.
Both acknowledged the impacts of international travel restrictions and necessary physical distancing measures on their country's businesses and economies, especially in light of the importance of the tourism sector to both countries. Furthermore, President Solih and Prime Minister Rajapaksa emphasised on the need for strong bilateral and regional cooperation to meet the challenge.