Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka’s economy had taken a severe blow due to the impact of Covid 19 on the island nation and requested setting up of a joint mechanism to tide over the economic situation. He also proposed a ministerial group of Saarc members to discuss best practices and regional matters arising out of the fight against coronavirus.

“Our economy has taken a severe blow due to the coronavirus, particularly in tourism, since most of the tourists are from Germany and Italy and other countries in Europe. Our Exports are also adversely affected,” Rajapaksa said

In another important proposal, he said a ministerial group of Saarc members should be created to deal with issues requiring cooperation and sharing of experiences for the disease’s containment.

“I also wish to recommend that a Saarc ministerial level group be established to discuss and share best practice and coordinate regional matters on combating coronavirus,” Gotabaya Rajapaksa added.

Rajapaksa also confirmed that the Sri Lankan elections will be held as per the schedule on April 25 despite the coronavirus threat.“The elections will be held as per the plan,” he said.