16 August 2021

Dear Members and Friends,

After much deliberation, we regret to inform you that this year’s Summer Picnic organised by the Sri Lankan Association of Geneva (SLAG) will not be held as planned.  This decision was made considering the surge of COVID-19 cases in Switzerland. Over 2,000 new cases have been reported daily in the past few days with the increase largely due to the fast-spreading Delta variant (B 1 617.2). The rapid spread of this highly infectious variant has cast a cloud over the resumption of normal life in the country. In addition, the current COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka is critical with over 160 deaths reported yesterday. Given these factors, the Executive Committee of SLAG unanimously decided to cancel the event.  Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.

On a related note, SLAG has been working to support the COVID response in Sri Lanka. With support from our members, well-wishers and the Sri Lanka Permanent Mission in Geneva, we have dispatched 500 Pulse Oximeters, valued at over CHF5,000 to Sri Lanka. These have been distributed to all parts of the country including to the Intermediate Care Centers (ICCs) that have been set-up there. We have closely monitored the distribution of these instruments to hospitals and ICCs, and are in possession of the distribution lists. I take this opportunity to thank you all for your generous support. We will get back to you should we decide to provide further assistance to the COVID response in Sri Lanka.

We request you and your families to take good care during these uncertain times – vaccinate, mask and maintain physical distance.

Wishing you a good week ahead.

Stay well !!! Stay safe !!!

Best wishes,

Wajira Ranasinghe

President

Sri Lanka Association in Geneva (SLAG),

On behalf of the SLAG Executive Committee

website: www.slageneva.org