The Chief Prelate of Asgiriya Chapter, Most Venerable Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thero has appealed to the Sri Lankans to treat Chinese nationals in the island with kindness.
Issuing a statement, the Chief Prelate pointed out that it is a responsibility of Sri Lankans to provide them with assistance of any sort when needed.
The government of China, within a very short period of time, has acted swiftly to curb the spread of novel coronavirus and treat infected patients, the Chief Prelate’s statement read further.
It also commended the measures taken by the Sri Lankan government to repatriate locals who were stuck in Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus, and to prevent its spread in the island.
An all-night Pirith chanting ceremony will be held today (05) to seek blessings for those who are affected by the virus, Ven. Gnanarathana Thero mentioned in his statement.
A few days ago, the government also made a request to the public not to alienate the Chinese nationals in Sri Lanka.
Nearly, 10,000 Chinese nationals have received Resident Visa in Sri Lanka, according to Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Pasan Ratnayake. He had further stated that 4,251 of them are currently residing in the country.
In the meantime, the World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday stated that the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is yet to constitute a ‘pandemic’. The death toll has of the coronavirus outbreak has soared to 490 while confirmed cases added up to more than 24,000.
