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Sri Lanka intents to vaccinate entire population by early 2020

Sri Lanka intents to vaccinate entire population by early 2020

THE Sri Lankan government aims to vaccinate its entire population against the coronavirus by the end of 2021 or early 2022, said Army Commander General Shavendra Silva.

The country has been able to manage the pandemic without any delay in major development projects and infrastructure project, Silva said, adding, "the health and safety of the workers too had not been compromised".


"Sri Lanka's pandemic management strategy included the uninterrupted running of industries, factories, export agencies, and international businesses, where employees had been assured to work amid the pandemic with all necessary healthcare precautions and associated facilities. This has been the strength of Sri Lanka so far,” he said, while addressing a virtual summit of the Sri Lanka Investment Forum (SLIF) on Tuesday (8).

Silva said despite the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, it was necessary to maintain economic, diplomatic, and social relationships with the world.

“Managing the pandemic, preserving the economy, and restoring complete normalcy is an enormous challenge,” he added.

“In order to reinstate the economic normalcy, usual livelihood and social aspects amid the Covid- 19 pandemic, it is decisive to bring the country into a certain condition in which socio-economic activities could be continued with the best practices under minimum regulations.”

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UK asylum contracts under scrutiny after Australian company admits overcharging £118m

  • CTM admits overcharging UK government by £118m
  • Irregularities linked to asylum housing and quarantine contracts
  • Home Office reviewing contracts as repayments continue

The UK government’s asylum accommodation contracts are facing renewed scrutiny after Corporate Travel Management (CTM), an Australian company, admitted it overcharged its UK clients, including the government, by £118m. The disclosure, tied to contracts covering asylum housing and pandemic-era quarantine hotels, adds to growing concerns around oversight in public spending on migration infrastructure.

The company, which operated the Bibby Stockholm asylum barge and arranged accommodation for asylum seekers, said its internal audit uncovered “erroneous billing” in its UK business. The latest figure marks a sharp revision from earlier estimates, which had already raised alarms within government circles.

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