Journal of Management Vol. 15, Issue. 2, 2020 ISSN: 1391-8230 47-64

ROLE OF DEFENCE FORCES OF DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK FOR NATIONS BRANDING

Thesara V.P. Jayawardane

Department of Industrial Management University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.

Abstract

World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed of a novel coronavirus on the 12th January 2020, as the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, . Even though the fatality ratio for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is comparatively lower than SARS, the transmission is greater. Therefore, Sri Lankan government requested the public to practice proper hygiene methods and self- quarantine methods to safeguard from this disease. Quarantine Law in Sri Lanka is governed by the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance No 3 of 1897. Defence Forces of Sri Lanka played many roles in the fight against COVID-19 and this research is an overview of the contribution they have made towards battling the COVID-19 successfully. The purpose of this research is to identify the effectiveness of the measures taken by the Sri Lankan government and the tri forces to stop COVID-19 spreading, which will provide an example for other countries to follow on how to prepare, detect, and respond to similar outbreaks, which in turn will contribute towards Nations Branding. This research is a qualitative study mainly undertaken with content analysis of the information extracted from secondary data such as publications of the local and foreign governments, research reports from Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), magazines, newspapers, TV programmes and websites. A few face-to-face and telephone conversations were also conducted with key personnel of the defence forces to obtain an in depth understanding and to clarify the accuracy of the results. The key contributions made by (Army), Sri Lanka (Navy) and (SLAF) were identified in terms of its implications for Nations Branding and, recommendations are made which includes methods to adopt when dealing with COVID 19 in the future. Keywords: Defence Forces, Coronavirus Disease, COVID-19, Sri Lanka, Nations Branding

Background to attack the coronavirus. In these 45 QCs, COVID-19 has caused a worldwide thousands of people were occupied time to pandemic due to severe acute respiratory time with over 50 foreigners from 14 syndrome. Sri Lanka reported its’ first different countries. Sri Lanka news media confirmed patient due to this disease on 27 (Newsfirst 16 April 2020) reported that “Sri January 2020, when a 44-year-old Chinese Lanka has been named as 16th high risk woman from Hubei, China was admitted to country prone to virus pandemic” and the National Institute of Infection Diseases (Newsfirst 17 April 2020) reported that “Sri Lanka has been ranked 9th best country in the (IDH). A total of over 23,000 confirmed cases have been reported in Sri Lanka by 01 world for its successful immediate response December 2020, with 122 deaths. Army built on tackling the virus”. Nation branding is forty-five Quarantine Centre (QC) s in Sri concerned with a country’s whole image on Lanka by 23 of March as a defensive measure the international stage, covering political, [email protected] economic, and cultural dimensions (Anholt adjust their lifestyles accordingly in order to 2007) thus, the positive image obtained from move on to the future with the pandemic. the rapid actions taken during the pandemic Throughout the pandemic and currently as of certainly brought fame and recognition to the now, Tri Force members of the Defence nation internationally. Forces of Sri Lanka are working tirelessly to halt the spread of COVID-19 that has Sri Lankan President directed the authorities affected over 23,000 people and claimed to implement proper QCs to examine the over 100 lives (Health Promotion Bureau, foreigners and ordered relevant authorities to 2020). In this global pandemic situation, with provide necessary essential services to the its immeasurable burden of deaths and scope general public via internet (Daily News, 20 of devastation, and no vaccine in sight there March 2020). Soon, the government issued a is a perfect public diplomatic space for nation circular stating that the has branding as “a strategic, policy-making been established to effectively and efficiently approach, designed to help places build on regulate and conduct the mechanism of the strengths that will earn them a better distribution of essential commodities among reputation” (Anholt 2007). public (Daily News, 24 March 2020). A systematic and impartial assessment that On the 7 April 2020, Army 1 Corps of provides credible and reliable evidence- Engineer Services (CES) made the Voice of based information about the extent to which America building complex, Iranawila, this contribution was made by the Defence Chilaw in to an isolation hospital. This forces has not been carried out. By hospital was provided with robotic identifying their priceless effort, we not only technology along with autopilot vehicles to can pay due credit and respect, but the be used by the medical working there as findings will contribute towards recognising a safety measure. COVID-19 patients were the important role a country’s tri forces can confined to isolated areas where robots play when facing a pandemic or a similar transported medicine, food and drinks disease situation. It will provide guidance for through this special airlock system. the future for Sri Lanka or for any other country which may encounter such After two months of island wide curfew, on conditions. the 11 May 2020, Sri Lankan government ended the 52-day lockdown style curfew. “The history-as-lessons can be learnt on the This allowed people to return to workplace assumption that epidemics are structurally while maintaining social distancing but the comparable events, wherever and whenever public gatherings and celebrations were not they take place. The COVID-19 outbreak allowed. 5 August 2020 was a significant day creates a sense similarity with the SARS and for Sri Lanka where the 2020 Sri Lankan MERS” (Li, 2020). Elder (2010) emphasised parliamentary election was held in spite of how military service was able to serve as a COVID-19 with a voter turnout of nearly positive turning point, providing valued 75%. Wearing face masks and using hand resources as well as new reference and sanitizers were made compulsory at the support groups in times of a crisis including polling stations and social distancing was a pandemic. “Bruce Aylward, a senior maintained throughout. Sri Lanka’s Health adviser to WHO’s Director-General who co- Ministry has geographically earmarked led the WHO-China Joint Mission on ‘Medical Officer of Health’ areas across the COVID-19 in late February, 2020, praised island of 21 million, to provide preventive China’s efforts as probably the most health services at a community level, through ambitious, agile and aggressive disease a team of medical officers, public health containment effort in history” (Zhong, 2020). nurses, health inspectors and midwives. Studies have been conducted on the efforts Research Problem against COVID-19 by many countries in the world but the contribution of the Sri Lankan COVID-19 has been challenging the world in government, especially the support extended many unexpected ways, and people need to by the Defence forces has not been studied in 48 depth. The role of the Sri Lankan Defence hiding, and evading quarantine. The Sunday forces in crisis management needs extensive Times newspaper (15 March 2020) reported research and in depth study which is why the that the “State Intelligence Service headed by author realised there is a research gap that a former military intelligence chief is leading needs to be filled. The research will also the contact-tracing effort that involves contribute to filling the gap in identifying perusal of immigration records and data how the efforts of the Defence forces in this analysis”. The (former Acting) Inspector crisis contributed in uplifting the Nations General of Police had to request the Criminal image and reputation. Investigation Department to take strict action against people who circulate malicious and Therefore, this research was conducted to fulfil false information about public servants the following objectives. involved in essential services.

Objectives The Defence Ministry and the Health 1. To analyse the effects created by Ministry joined hands and took all necessary COVID-19 on Sri Lanka. precautions to prevent spreading of COVID 2. To identify the key contributions made 19 through travellers who are arriving from by the Defence Forces of Sri Lanka COVID-19 infected- countries among the 20 during the battle against COVID-19 million of country’s population. The first pandemic attack and its implications for quarantine facility was set up in the Nations Branding. military hospital. Poonani and 3. To provide a guidance for Sri Lankans Kandakadu that function under the Army with ways to continue life amidst were declared as QCs to keep who are COVID-19. arriving from COVID 19 infected-countries for 14-days. Military Spokesman Brig. Chandana Wickramasinghe stated that “the Literature Review government had decided to put those, who Nation Branding is defined by Kerr (2013) as were coming from countries listed as ‘risky’ “the application of corporate marketing areas of COVID-19, under the quarantine concepts and techniques to countries, in the process at two centres in the Eastern province interests of enhancing their reputation in as they are less populated areas and ideal to international relations”. Fan (2010) notes isolate them for a period of 14-days”. He also that, “as an emerging area of interest, nation added that “Those who are arriving in the branding is driven largely by practitioners country, whether they are infected or not, and there is an urgent need for conceptual they have a right to return to their and theoretical development of the subject”. motherland. But they also need to be Even during the crisis of COVID-19, the responsible, to protect those who are living in presumption that countries have their unique the country, by willingly undergoing the nation brand is not far-fetched at all. While quarantine process to clear them to endorse many countries were associated with poor that they are free of any viruses” (Defence.lk, containment measures, insufficient test kits, March 2020). or high death rates, Sri Lanka boasts of a success story. Defence Secretary Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne confidently stated that the SL National Operation Center for Prevention of government will ensure the protection of COVID- 19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) was country’s 21.4 million people from COVID- initiated by the President HE Gotabaya 19. He reiterated that the Defence Ministry Rajapaksa and, the Army was working closely with the Health Shavendra was appointed as the head of Ministry and other relevant authorities to this centre. This can be seen as the initial provide assistance in the battle against instance where the military was officially COVID-19. (Defence.lk, 19 March 2020). roped into Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 scenario. He ensured that the Government would not (SLP) and Army joined let COVID-19 to spread throughout the hands to track down those reportedly in country and that panic buying of essential items is not required. He spoke of the 49 passengers COVID-19 infected-countries intelligence, adaptability of security force and stated that it was mandatory for them to personnel for civil coordination work and undergo quarantine procedures for the safety communicative strategies (‘Big Focus’ of the country’s entire population. He further Derana TV, 29 July 2020). explained that “the military, which was the first respondents in a disaster situation, had ‘Nothing is Impossible,’ is a motto come forward to support to mitigate constantly phrased by General Shavendra spreading the virus further. The military is Silva who stated that “Sri Lanka being a also tasked to analyse past records, items small nation maintains the Armed Forces used, places that the infected people had through the tax-payers’ money and therefore visited and people whom they had associated we need to protect this nation from whatever (Defence.lk, March 2020). the national emergency it is faced with, not only in times of security alone as we have He further stated that “when a suspected repeatedly proved”. He further discussed the coronavirus infected individual is identified, importance of way forward strategy 2020- we direct them to a hospital such as the IDH 2025 and explained the process of and take all necessary measures to provide transforming the Army to be a medical treatment. Taking precautionary “professionally-competent and fully-pledged measures will not end after admitting the organization which can deal with any patient to the hospital as we will find those eventualities in future”. He confidently who associated with the patients and, if we pointed out that the President and the tri fail to trace their whereabouts, we will get the forces together would work towards a new assistance of the intelligence agencies to era of development for Sri Lanka (‘Big track them to put them on self-quarantine Focus’ Derana TV, 29 July 2020). process in their own houses” (Defence.lk, 14.03.20). Defence Secretary Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne mentioned that around the world, Defence Secretary Gen. (Retd) Kamal Sri Lanka is identified as the nation that Gunaratne stated that “From manning deployed the intelligence service roadblocks, erecting quarantine facilities to successfully to mitigate the spread of tracking and tracing potential coronavirus COVID-19. He added that at a time when all infected patients and from mass disinfection the developed countries face COVID-19 initiatives to distributing household goods helplessly, Sri Lanka was facing it fearlessly and provisions to needy communities in the as the government was well geared to country, Army displayed capabilities. The mitigate the spread of the virus. He further intelligence agencies are providing stated that “Sri Lanka can be a role model for exceptional results by promptly tracking and other countries on how the deadly virus could tracing individuals evading quarantine and be curbed effectively. The entire credit identifying potential coronavirus carriers, should go to the country’s leadership – who have associated with confirmed President - who had patients” (Defence.lk, 17 April 2020) drawn a comprehensive mechanism to face the challenge far ahead the virus reached us” As Head of the NOCPCO, Chief of Defence (Defence.lk, 31 July 2020) Staff and Commander of the Army, General stated in a TV interview that Conceptual Framework throughout the COVID-19 battle, visionary “A conceptual framework is the researcher’s and guiding support was continuously idea on how the research problem will have extended by the President, Prime Minister to be explored” (Afibary, 2015). The and the government. He fondly reiterated the conceptual framework guides the researcher contribution of the Health Minister, Director in the specific direction by which the study General of Health Services and Medical will have to be undertaken. The conceptual Specialists. He also discussed the Army’s framework will specify the variables that will strategic interaction with other stakeholders, have to be explored in the investigation. In quick operational aspects with new order to come up with a conceptual innovations, use and coordination of 50 framework which will guide this research, Specific questions which need to be the literature was studied and the information answered and problems that need to be given obtained so far in previous studies were solutions were also selected. As a result, the identified. A gap in terms of knowledge in researcher created a conceptual framework to the area of COVID-19 and the contribution serve as a guide in this research. made by the defence forces was identified.

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework (Author Created)

With the aid of the above conceptual many discussions and it is applicable on framework, the contributions made by the every sector including in the military Defence Forces in the battle against COVID- (Bradley & Charbonneau, 2004). The 19 can be identified. transformational leaders, especially in the military change their subordinates to the This frame work shall emphasise the fact that better making them accomplishing the the Contribution from the Defence forces missions ahead of time. When applied to this acts as a Moderating variable that affects the conceptual framework, transformational direction and strength of the relation between leadership can be seen as how the Public Health Surveillance and Public Health commanding officers inspire, motivate, Action. When the contribution from the influence and simulate the subordinates to defence forces is strong and constant, that the extent of building an extraordinary trust results in a strong Health system and when and believe between the two towards the the contribution in minimal or poor, the result common goal (Warilow, 2012) of the best is negative on the health system. Nation interest of the country’s health and security. branding is action-oriented; a country will have a hard time persuading others if its Methodology nation brand is without substance This research is a narrative review of the (Thompson 2020). Thus, with the strong literature where the response and support extended by the Defence forces in contribution made by the Sri Lankan controlling the Covid-19, Sri Lanka could Government and Defence forces during the leverage on its existing strengths for nation COVID-19 outbreak is analysed using branding. various databases. Epidemic preparedness and Sri Lanka’s response capacity, case As a theoretical implication leadership identification and surveillance, healthcare characteristic demonstrated by the defence facilities, and medical team preparation forces can be recognised. The according to CDC and WHO frameworks, transformational leadership theory attracts regulations, and guidelines were identified. 51 available on these websites and the internet. Therefore, the methodology used for the For secondary research some data was also purpose of this research study primarily collected from some government and non- involved with information obtaining from government organisations since the secondary data which was extracted and information obtained from these agencies are analysed in order to increase the validity and authentic and trustworthy. The secondary credibility of the findings. A number of face- data was also extracted from public libraries. to-face discussions and telephone Public libraries have copies of important conversations were conducted with selected research that were conducted earlier. They personnel with superior authority in the are a storehouse of important information defence forces in order to ensure the and documents from which information can secondary data obtained is accurate and be extracted and libraries have a huge credible. collection of government publications with market statistics, large collection of business A lot of secondary data are being collected directories and newsletters. Importance of and archived by researchers all over the collecting data from educational institutions world for research that are becoming more for secondary research is often overlooked. widespread (Andrews et al. 2012). The But many researches are conducted in advantages of analysis of secondary data are universities and academic institutes than any the cost effectiveness and convenience it other fields. Even though the data collected provides. When good secondary data are by universities are mainly for primary available, researchers can utilize them for research it was very useful as secondary data high quality empirical researches. These needed for this study. Commercial provide researchers with opportunities to information sources such as newspapers, work effectively to test new ideas, theories, journals, magazines, radio and TV stations frameworks, and models of research design were also great methods of obtaining data for (Smith 2008). secondary research. For this research commercial information sources provided Secondary data refers to data that is collected first-hand information on statistics of by someone other than the user. Common COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, contributions made sources of secondary data for social science by the defence forces, impact COVID-19 has include censuses, information collected by on the economy, political agendas, and government departments, organizational opinions of various personalities and public. records and data that was originally collected for other research purposes. In the second stage, five (05) higher rank officials representing the tri forces and the In this research secondary data was collected Ministry of Defence (MOD) were chosen for from both published and unpublished data. one-to-one discussions. They were chosen as Published data was collected from various per the ranks and the responsibilities they publications of the governments including hold as spokespersons for the respective official web sites, various research reports institute they work for. These selected prepared by research scholars and representatives had the fullest knowledge of universities, books of various authors, the details of the incidents and information magazines, and newspapers, various sources that was obtained from the secondary data from university libraries, technical and trade and had the authority to clarify if the data was journals, websites, and public records and accurate. They were interviewed face to face other sources of published information. at a location of their convenience and some were interviewed over the telephone. They The secondary research methods that were elaborated on the various findings obtained used in this study can be identified as from the secondary data and provided a follows: wider understanding to the researcher. All these representatives have first-hand Data available on the internet was extracted experienced the COVID-19 battle Sri Lanka from government and defence forces went through and are the front liners and the websites. Most information was readily strategic decision makers during the 52 successful journey, and thus shared their 2001). According to Dowling (2006), experiences with the researcher fondly. reflexivity is the research process where the researcher reflects upon various theoretical This qualitative study was conducted as a assumptions and perspectives. During the content analysis and the purpose of this research process, one may find themselves content analysis was to organize and elicit ruminating on the ways in which their own meaning from the data collected and to draw aspirations, characters, values, philosophies, realistic conclusions from it. “The researcher experiences, belief systems, political must choose whether the analysis should be commitments, and social identities have of a broad surface structure or of a deep shaped the research. Reay (2007) argues that structure” (Berg, 2001). In a review of the reflexivity is “about giving as full and honest literature, different opinions on the use of an account of the research process as concepts, procedures and interpretation in possible, in particular explicating the content analysis are presented. There are four position of the researcher in relation to the main stages identified but each stage must be research.” performed several times to maintain the quality and trustworthiness of the analysis The most important lesson obtained from this (Burnard, 1991). research is that the research has both its power and limitation for social change and Trustworthiness development. This research emphasises the Trustworthiness or rigor of a study refers to importance in conveying ideas from those the degree of confidence in data, who have direct experiences of battling interpretation, and methods used to ensure against COVID-19 to those who are assisting the quality of a study (Polit & Beck, 2014). from outside. Many times, during the data The secondary data were all obtained by the collection the researcher realised the impact the defence forces have created in protecting government official websites which include the defence.lk and respective web sites of the the country from this deadly virus while tri forces. These websites contain only the putting their own safety at stake. Researcher reliable and accurate information. The has all but positive thoughts to support their researcher managed to ensure the efforts which will indeed create a change if trustworthiness of the information during the utilized accordingly by policymakers and personal discussions and phone development implementers. conversations held with respective tri forces Key Findings members of authority. Statistics Reflexivity To fulfil the first objective of the research "A researcher's background and position will and to analyse the effects created by COVID- affect what they choose to investigate, the 19 on Sri Lanka secondary data was angle of investigation, the methods judged analysed. The important statistics of Sri most adequate for this purpose, the findings Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic is considered most appropriate, and the identified as of 01st of December 2020 and of conclusions" (Malterud, summarised below:

Figure 2: An Overview of the COVID-19 statistics of Sri Lanka on 01/12/2020 (Coronatracker.com, 2020) 53

As seen in figure 2 the fatality rate of discipline conducted at the QCs and the COVID-19 patients is 0.5% with a recorded efficient and effective service extended by 72.6% recovery rate. Main reason for these the defence forces. excellent results can be interpreted as the

Figure 3: Daily incidences chart (Coronatracker.com, 2020)

When figure 3 is compared with fig 4 the can be compared along with identification of increase in the number of infected patients the clusters that were formed.

Figure 4: Total Coronavirus positive Figure 5: Active COVID-19 patients in Sri cases in Sri Lanka (Worldometer.com, Lanka (Health.gov.lk, 2020) 2020) months. Apart from the identified clusters the Figure 5 provides a snap shot of the active active cases seems to be declining over the COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka over the past 6 months.

Figure 6: Fatality rate and Recovery rate comparison of Sri Lanka vs other countries (Health.gov.lk, 2020)

Comparison of COVID-19 with SARS and outbreak is seen as both similar and different MERS to the prior severe acute respiratory The research findings have identified that syndrome (SARS) 2002 and Middle East when compared, current COVID-19 respiratory syndrome (MERS) 2012 54 outbreaks. SARS was initiated at Guangdong Province, China. MERS was found in Saudi “May it be the ground, air or sea, the presence Arabia. Symptoms of the 3 viral infections of medical services is a morale booster for start with fever and cough, which frequently the troops engaged in battle and, military lead to lower respiratory tract disease with medical personnel are the first respondents poor clinical outcomes associated with older not only in the battle but in any sort of age and underlying health conditions. humanitarian assistance and disaster relief Confirmation of infection requires nucleic operations conducted locally or overseas” acid testing of respiratory tract samples (eg, stated the Defence Secretary Gen. (Retd) throat swabs), but clinical diagnosis may be Kamal Gunaratne (Defence.lk, 14 March made based on symptoms, exposures, and 2020). chest imaging. Supportive care for patients is typically the standard protocol because no Contribution from the Sri Lanka Army specific effective antiviral therapies have The National Operation Centre for been identified. (McGoogan et.al, 2020) Prevention of COVID-19 (NOCPCO) was established with the objective of centralizing, WHO stated that the SARS outbreak reported expediting and implementing all necessary a total of 8096 SARS cases and 774 deaths preventive and containing measures against across 29 countries. MERS confirmed cases the transmission of COVID - 19 pandemic add up to a total of 2494 with 858 deaths and was headed by General Shavendra Silva, across 27 countries (WHO, 2020). COVID- Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of 19 has claimed more deaths due to the large the Army. (Army.lk, 15 March 2020) number of cases. The total number of COVID-19 cases is higher due to difficulties As an emergency measure, Army as per the in identifying and counting mild and direction of the health authorities improvised asymptomatic cases. Furthermore, the still- all holiday homes at Diyatalawa to be QCs insufficient testing capacity for COVID-19 for returnees of various countries. Those in the world means that many suspected and holiday homes at Diyatalawa are equipped clinically diagnosed cases are not yet counted with all facilities and amenities. Army in the denominator (Battegay et.al, 2020). improvised five more buildings, situated in Wanni Echchankulam and Vavuniya to Most secondary transmission of SARS and become functional as another Quarantine MERS occurred in the hospital setting while Centre. (Army.lk, 16 March 2020) COVID-19 spread and transmission is occurring among close contacts. More On March 26th when it was found that a research is needed in this area for more COVID-19 confirmed patient had got in elaborated analysis to be done. contact with 26 individuals in Ataluwagama, Bandaragama areas, immediate measures Defence Forces of Sri Lanka were adopted by Army in cooperation with Taking up the national responsibility of medical authorities to isolate all of them in assisting the battle against COVID-19, one improvised Quarantine Centre. Army, Navy and SLAF played a prominent (Army.lk, 26 March 2020) role, together with stakeholders in the Ministry of Health (MOH), MOD, Office of Another issue arose in the Free Trade Zone the Western Province Governor, Ministry of (FTZ) areas in Wathupitiwela and Foreign Relations, Sri Lanka Aviation and Katunayake where employees, mostly Airport Authority, Department of females, remained stranded either in their Immigration and Emigration, SLP, Sri Lanka boarding places or residential quarters, being Transport Board and other relevant agencies unable to move out. Army troops with the across the country. Analysis of the secondary coordination of respective employers data proved that all three Defence Forces transported a total of 5180 employees to their contributed to this immense task of fighting nearest destinations on the 27 of March. the COVID-19 in their own respective (Army.lk, 2020) aptitudes. 55 All tri forces facilitated for over 500 task of improvising and preparing the entire quarantined individuals to travel home after building to suit the emergency purpose completion of their quarantine process. within the time of two weeks. The complex Special instructions were issued to them for is equipped with sanitary and cooking self-quarantine inside their own homes for facilities, rest rooms, pantries, kitchen, along another 14 days. Army also assisted the SLP with a security system. (Army.lk, 27 March to strictly impose Curfew hours and take the 2020) violators into custody to protect the people. (Army.lk, 2020) 20 Army riders of Army were put together for a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) to carry Jaffna and Kundasale QC were also operated out random temperature checks on people under Army. A person coming from a who arrive in on essential services. religious conference in was taken to The idea is to support the ongoing preventive Punani QC who was suspected to have been mechanism of the government against in contact with 144 individuals. Akurana and COVID-19 in Colombo district. If a person is Ataluwagama areas were kept in isolation diagnosed with abnormal temperature and is under the purview of Army and 45 people unaware of their infection condition, such who were suspected of being in contact with persons will be immediately sent to the a COVID-19 patient from Maharagama were respective hospitals for necessary onward sent to Punani QC. Another group of 34 arrangements. This ongoing project is individuals who had contacts with a COVID- facilitated by the Directorate of Army 19 positive person from Ratmalana and 21 Operations. Army encourages the public to people from Orugodawatte were admitted to cooperate with the QRT members who would the Punani QC. In addition, people from conduct such temperature checks for your Matugama, Akuressa, Karapitiya, own safety. (Army.lk, 2020) Piliyandala and Mahiyanganaya were despatched to the QC at Punani by Army. When a COVID-19 positive detainee from (Army.lk, 25 March 2020) the Welikada Prisons was identified as a returnee from Kandakadu Rehabilitation With the intention of creating a mental Centre, all prison detainees and prison staff balance and well-being of the people who were subjected to over 700 PCR tests. Under were confined to flats in Colombo during the Ministry of Justice two Rehabilitation curfew hours, tri services and SLP organised Centres for Drug Prevention, Treatment and staging of musical entertainment sessions Rehabilitation are run at Kandakadu and during day time in selected areas. Army beat Senapura areas in the Polonnaruwa district. groups performed at Havelock city and Army converted the Kandakadu Quarantine Rajagiriya Housing complex. (Army.lk, Centre in to a field hospital where 500 2020) COVID-19 infected persons can be treated (Army.lk, 2020). Army made a record when Corps of Engineer Services (CES) troops of Army improvised In order to meet with the requirements at this the former Voice of America building critical juncture, QCs operate in complex at Iranawila, Chilaw to be an Pompemadu, Punani, Kandakadu, isolation hospital and vested it with state Panichchankerni, Sri Lanka National Guard authorities. This isolation hospital is camp at Meeyankulam, Borawewa, equipped with 40 beds and has the capability Galkanda, Kahagolla, Army Base Hospital to treat COVID-19 patients with the robotic Diyatalawa, camp at technology and auto pilot vehicles. This is for Diyatalawa, Damminna and Rantembe under the safety of medical staff working in the the purview of Army. These QCs are hospital and the patients are confined to equipped with hand sanitizes, WiFi facilities, separate cubicles during therapeutic process. TVs, water boilers, fans, washing machines, Hemas Pvt Ltd and Atlas Company towel racks, fridges, newspapers, special sponsored for these robots. Troops of the 1 cooking arrangements for kids and pregnant CES under the supervision of women. Meals cooked by Army chefs and Asiri Muhandiramge, completed the cooks are closely prepared, tested and tasted 56 by Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and declared as a hospital to treat suspected nutritionists of the Army before they are COVID–19 pregnant mothers (Navy.lk, served to the transients in those Centres 2020). (Army.lk, 2020). At the Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital, Presidential Task Force (PTF) was appointed “using naval technology; construction of a by HE the President in order to tackle health building for patient admission and external security at camps of the tri forces. PTF is sample testing, installing a camera system to responsible for preparing, implementing and treat patients while maintaining social monitoring an effective mechanism under the distance, donation of a remote-controlled guidance of the Secretary of Defence and smart appliance called ‘Medi Mate’ to treat of Tri-Forces and would patent, installation of a disinfection chamber, identify measures that need to be taken to construction of a high temperature chamber ensure health security at military camps in for sterilization of equipment and clothing view of the spreading epidemic (Army.lk, used to treat patients infected with the virus, 2020). establishment of an infrared system in two premises of the hospital for sterilizing the Transport facilities of round trips, areas travelled by patients and developing an coordinated by tri services were made electronic monitoring system for hospital available to over 645,000 senior citizens who elevators were successfully set up and were supposed to collect their pensions installed” by Navy (Navy.lk, 2020). (Army.lk, 2020). On the 13 March 2020, Navy joined hands Contribution from the with Suwaseriya Ambulance Service, When the COVID-19 outbreak turned in to a Firefighting Unit of Colombo harbour, Harbour Health Service and medical officers pandemic across the world, Navy came aboard immediately to support the national from National Quarantine Unit “conducted a responsibility by setting up a quarantine drill at the harbour on to rehearse standard centre at the Boossa naval premises by 16th operational procedure that could be adopted March 2020. The intention was to in the event of transferring a suspected accommodate the passengers arriving from COVID-19 contracted patient from a ship to affected countries. the relevant hospital ashore and quarantining a particular area on the land” (Navy.lk, Navy personnel of the Welisara Navy camp 2020). participated in the isolation and quarantining work carried out in Suduwella, Ja-Ela area On 18 June 2020 an isolation ward complex where drug addicts were identified and later at the Northern Command Naval Hospital found positive for COVID-19 and confined premises for the treatment of COVID–19 to QC. As a result of this, Welisara Navy patients were declared open along with a shipwright workshop operating with the camp-based 30 sailors were confirmed infected of COVID-19. Commander of the latest technology. This isolation ward Navy had to isolate the entire camp premises complex was completed within a short period with immediate effect (Navy.lk, 2020). of one month, in accordance with the COVID-19 standard guidelines and the ward In order to control the spread of COVID-19 complex provides residential care to 12 in the country Navy worked towards patients at a time (Navy.lk, 2020). increasing facilities of the healthcare workers who have been doing a praiseworthy job Navy music groups would conduct musical concerts in the best interests of the people at even risking their own lives. Navy took over the task of improving facilities of the Dr. the premises of various housing flats. This Neville Fernando teaching hospital to treat was done keeping necessary social COVID-19 patients in a safe and effective distancing and health guidelines which were manner. As a result, from 15th April 2020, necessary for people to safely enjoy those Neville Fernando teaching hospital was musical shows (Navy.lk, 2020).

57 Naval troops of Navy completely disinfected Mulleriyawa General Hospital. The the Colombo National Hospital premises and installation was carried out by the Technical other public places of interest (Navy.lk, Team led by the Commanding Officer of the 2020). E & TE Wing at Ratmalana, Group Captain Aruna Jayathilaka and was completed within The Navy Research and Development Unit 24 hours. Personnel from the SLAF (R & DU) designed a remote-controlled Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear smart appliance called ‘Medi Mate’ which and Explosive (CBRNE) Wing of the SLAF allows healthcare professionals to maintain were also involved in order to ensure that the distance from patients during testing and technicians were properly equipped in treatment. Medi Mate is wheeled and remote- protective clothing while carrying out the controlled which then allows medical staff to installation. The CBRNE team also ensured communicate with patients, transport that the technicians were properly disinfected medicine and meals, and spray sanitizing after the installation. This enabled the health liquid through its’ automated nozzle. R & care professionals of the hospital to address DU of Navy also developed a disinfection and monitor patients infected by COVID-19” chamber and variants with added features from a safer distance. (SLAF.lk 09 April that were placed in medical institutes such as 2020). Kalubowila teaching hospital, Neville Fernando teaching Hospital and KDU A team of civil engineering personnel from hospital (Vega.lk, 08 April 2020). the Civil Engineering Wing (CEW) at SLAF Base Katunayake modified Ward No 1 of the Contribution from the Sri Lanka Air Force Homagama General Hospital so it can be SLAF started their first QC in Vanni which used to treat COVID-19 patients. A SLAF can accommodate over 200 residents. As per team of engineering personnel comprising of an Officer and 10 Airmen completed the the guidance of Directorate of Health Services QCs were established in Palaly, modification of the ward within 3 days. The Iranamadu and Mullaitivu. These Centres well-wishers and residents of Homagama including the Vanni QC are manned by area funded this project while SLAF Medical professionals of the SLAF and provided the required manpower and MOH. These centres were established with engineering expertise. (SLAF.lk, 11 March the aim of assisting the government’s efforts 2020) in combating the COVID-19 (SLAF.lk, 20 March 2020). Another SLAF team of civil engineering personnel from SLAF Station Palavi SLAF commenced “renovation of wards 11 renovated a ward at the District General and 12 at the National Hospital for Hospital-Chilaw, so that it can be used to Respiratory Diseases at Welisara. An treat COVID-19 patients. SLAF team of Engineering Team consisting of 5 Officers engineering personnel comprising of an Officer and 24 Airmen completed the and 76 airmen from the Civil Engineering Wing at SLAF Base were deployed at the renovation of the ward within 5 days. The Welisara Hospital to carry out the renovation District General Hospital provided funding which was done within a very short period”. for the project while the SLAF provided the These wards used as a QCs for those required manpower and engineering suspected to have been effected by COVID- expertise. (SLAF.lk, 20 April 2020) 19 are manned by SLAF Medical personnel. (SLAF.lk 24 March 2020) With the global situation due to COVID-19 a threat of illegal migrants attempting to enter Sri Lanka by sea was identified. Therefore, SLAF technical team from the “Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering (E & SLAF conducted daily Aerial Surveillance TE) Wing at SLAF Base Ratmalana, carried Operations in support of the SL Navy’s out the installation of Public Addressing efforts of blocking illegal entry in to the Speaker Systems and Wi-Fi connected island. SLAF aircraft from the No 8 Light CCTV Camera Systems for 4 Wards at the Transport Squadron at Ratmalana and from the No 3 Maritime Squadron at SLAF 58 Academy China Bay are being deployed to world people are focused with finding health conduct this Aerial Surveillance. The aircraft care strategies for minimising conduct their surveillance operations along the impact of the new coronavirus COVID- the International Maritime Boundary Line 19 on the community. This virus has become from Mannar up to Point Pedro. The main a threat to the public health and seems to purpose is to observe and monitor sea vessels spread easily among people. The objectives trying to breach the countries International of this research study was to identify the key Maritime Boundary Line. In addition to the contributions made by the Defence Forces of above operations the SLAF conducts routine Sri Lanka during the battle against COVID- surveillance operations covering the entire 19 pandemic attack, how that benefitted in island. The operations are done by dividing uplifting the Nations branding, understand the island in to 8 main sectors. The SLAF the effects created by COVID-19 on Sri utilizes Y-12 aircraft and Bell 212 Lanka and provide guidance for Sri Lankans helicopters from the No 3 and 8 Squadrons with ways to continue life amidst COVID- and the No 7 Helicopter Squadron (SLAF.lk, 19. 15 April 2020) The study was done using secondary data SLAF developed a disinfection system to be that was obtained from publications of the implemented at the Bandaranayake governments including official web sites, International Airport which could be used for various research reports, books, magazines, all passengers arriving by air. The newspapers, sources from university Aeronautical Engineering Support Wing at libraries, technical and trade journals. After SLAF Base Ratmalana developed, fabricated analysing the data, it is evident that compared and installed a ‘Passenger Disinfection with many countries in the world, Sri Lanka Chamber’ at the Arrivals Terminal of the is very successful in the fight against Covid- Bandaranayake International Airport. “This 19. Only 23,384 infected patients with 122 newly developed Passenger Disinfection deaths in a population of over 21 million are Chamber comprises of three main sections. figures to celebrate for. The first section aims at disinfecting the upper back and head area. The second section The important statistics of the Sri Lanka’s targets the mid body section above the knee COVID-19 journey contributed to while the final section targets the lower body, identifying the effect Covid-19 had on Sri legs and feet. In addition to spraying Lanka. A Conceptual Framework was disinfecting liquid the spraying system developed by the author in order to identify consisting of specially designed nozzles the contribution of the defence forces in the atomizes the air and disinfectant liquid battle against COVID-19. This conceptual thereby creating a thick mist within the framework is the ideal fit for this qualitative tunnel which, is intended to penetrate study with content analysis as the main clothing in such a way that will ensure that elements analysed were of Direction and any contaminants within cloths will also be Guidance, Supervision and Planning, cleaned. Further, all contaminated liquid Coordination and Control, and, from the tunnel is collected in a separate tank of the defence forces. which will be properly disposed by SLAF CBRNE Personnel” (SLAF.lk, 27 April One of the main reasons behind Sri Lanka’s 2020). success can be seen as how the country reacted rapidly to early warnings of the virus Conclusion and Implications issued by the Chinese and WHO authorities. According to the Brand Finance Sri Lanka Many other countries in the west carried on a normal routine unconcerned and thinking it (Gunawardena, 2020), Sri Lankan Brands Estimated to Drop 9.5% in value following was only an issue in China. In spite of their the impact of COVID-19 equating to Rs. 57.4 limited resources, Sri Lankan government billion. This is believed to be the worst hit in rapidly prepared the state funded health the industries such as airlines, hotels, retail service responding with remarkable and automation. Everywhere around the efficiency and the tri forces security being arranged with incredible speed. Pandemics 59 tend to drive people apart rather than bring unheralded expertise in managing deadly them together, but it can serve “to provide diseases, having eliminated malaria and collective linkages between national self- polio, grappled successfully with AIDS, interest and international good” (Wang SARS, H1N1, Chikungunya and MERS and 2020). The contribution made from the was substantially containing Dengue. In defence forces towards battling COVID-19 is 2005, it avoided the much-anticipated immeasurable and the key findings of the epidemics following the study had identified the various steps and tsunami”. MOH instructed the Quarantine projects separately. Unit at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, to screen passengers for The following reasons could be identified as suspicious symptoms and they warned that the main strategies behind the success of Sri infants, children, pregnant women, the Lanka’s fight against COVID-19. elderly and people who suffer from chronic diseases, among other issues, should avoid The lockdown was rapid and effective. visiting crowded places. (Adaderana, 2020) On 14 March, the Sri Lankan government declared 16 March 2020, as a national public The rules were communicated efficiently and holiday to contain the coronavirus spreading accurately. in the country and closed all borders to All mass media, print media and web-based foreign travellers and made people coming media worked in alliance when home quarantine for 14 days. Then full communicating important information to the lockdown measures were introduced with public. The head of NOCPCO General imposing island-wide curfew. As per Shavendra Silva, and Defence Secretary international guidelines only grocery stores, Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne along with the pharmacies, hospitals and gas stations could (former) Director General of health Dr. Anil stay open, inter district travel was restricted, Jasinghe and media spokesperson of and social interaction was limited to within COVID-19 DIG Ajith Rohana constantly households. These lockdown rules were vital held media briefings and updated the as they "suppressed the spread of the virus situation of the country. They not only early and bought precious time that other clarified any doubts arose in the minds of the countries wasted" (Pyzik, 2020). people but also tried to identify any issues and concerns people had and found answers The Defence Forces joined in the battle to them efficiently. The consistent messaging against COVID-19. about prioritizing health and frequent The tri forces lead by the MOD rapidly communication and daily media established QCs around the country. Their conferences facilitated by the Sri Lankan effort was highly efficient and the end result government ensured that all citizens- was of excellent quality. By 23rd of March, including children- helped to contribute to 45 QCs were built in the country by win this battle. the Army and their mission continues. The unoccupied hotels offered by the private Government took care of the needs of the sector were enabled by the Army to facilitate people. people being quarantined. The defence forces On 23rd of March, Sri Lankan President HE renovated hospitals, innovated new Gotabaya Rajapaksa introduced a relief fund technology and assisted the SLP with called ‘COVID-19 Healthcare and Social peacekeeping and law enforcement during Security Fund’ to combat COVID-19. The the battle against COVID-19. President himself contributed a sum of Rupes100 million from the President Fund Outstanding contribution was made by the and he revealed that general public can delay health Sector. the payments of the monthly electricity and Sri Lankan government reacted quickly and water bills. With the assistance of the tri adopted the WHO guidelines as soon as the forces the government arranged home rapidly escalating threat was made aware of. delivery of the essential goods to curb the “Sri Lanka's state-funded universal health coronavirus pandemic and also to control the care service possessed considerable but crowd. 60 of the defence forces contributed towards the The country started boosting its testing success during COVID-19. The subordinates capacity. need to be motivated in order for them to Following the WHO advice around mass offer their full cooperation to assist in the testing and robust contact-tracing, the SL nation’s battle against COVID-19. government initiated testing on all returnees Therefore, the defence forces must invest in from other countries, people who are an effective system to build a succession of suspected of being in contact with an infected leadership which is sustainable. person as well as random sample testing. Moynihan (2012) suggests that those in Geography of the island played to the positions of authority must exhibit certain advantage of Sri Lanka. styles of leadership that are deemed effective in responding to disasters. The ability of a Being an island has greatly helped Sri leader to motivate, communicate and Lanka’s pandemic response. This gave the articulate an organization’s mission and to government more control over who can enter effectively lead during times of uncertainty is to the country compared to countries with often cited as crucial components of effective large land borders. emergency management (Stern, 2013). Such leaders can guide the behaviour of others by Sri Lanka has brought hope for the rest of the building coalitions of support, and cementing world and teaches a lesson that even the most a clear vision and mission for an organization severe situations can be turned around. In the thus, creating a relationship between COVID-19 era, a nation’s ability to project transformational leadership and positive influence and manage its nation organizational resiliency. In an emergency brand ultimately hinges on how it has management context, a transformational responded to the crisis. The Sri Lankan leader may be perceived to effectively build government’s response to the COVID-19 a resilient organization, for instance, when he pandemic and the high level of collective or she inspires and articulates a vision for support from the Defence forces and the handling future emergencies. Health sector needs praise and appreciation. Although one might think that it is easy to get Recommendations things done from military personnel as Fulfilling the final objective of the research following orders is part of their job, it is and providing a guidance to continue life actually not simple to get this kind of amidst COVID-19, a few recommendations passion, commitment, interest, and an can be made. Most important factor to be individual sense of duty. The correct adopted is to control and suppress the spread guidance from the President, Defence of the virus. Along with that the health Secretary and the three Commanders of the services should be strengthened and tri forces was the key to this success. All the maintained with high standard. As the countries around the world can learn from Sri research firmly identified, obtaining the Lanka’s response to COVID-19 and start maximum cooperation from the defence implementing prevention and control forces is one of the most important factors for strategies immediately as health of each surviving COVID-19. Finally, every member citizen is at risk. “Considering that each of the community must support each other to community is unique, assessment should be stay safe and healthy. done of the possible benefits and negative consequences of each strategy adopted. In Since there are no standard treatments for addition, countries should work on COVID-19, it is important to avoid infection enhancing their systems and personnel in or further spreading. Sanitising, washing order to be more prepared for future hands regularly and wearing face masks to outbreaks and reduce consequences when cover nose and mouth can be seen as they strike” (Al Takarli, 2020). preliminary precautions. People with a history of travel from epidemic areas in As mentioned in the conceptual framework, recent 14 days, body temperature monitor the transformational qualities of the leaders 61 and quarantine for 2 weeks or more should be Sri Lanka and the contribution of the defence performed. If flu-like symptoms develop forces in this journey. Research is a crucial then the designated transportation should be factor in the battle against COVID-19 as taken to prevent unprotected exposure. many scientific discoveries are required for Healthcare workers who come in contact survival with the virus. The world is with possible Covid-19 positive patients witnessing many countries involved in must use protective equipment. Corpses of various types of research on COVID-19. patients should be burned or buried deep. Such research findings are constantly influencing governmental policies and public COVID-19 infection is an infectious viral opinions especially in terms of Nations disease with low to moderate mortality rate. branding. “International organizations, To date, there is no standard treatment or reputable scientific journals, and funding cure found. Many countries are conducting bodies have been calling educational experimental trials for a cure and a vaccine. researchers around the world to collaborate Currently the best way to deal with COVID- and cooperate in an open manner” (Chan, 19 is to prevent a widespread outbreak and 2020). Therefore, this research paper will ensure infection is controlled. First-line influence and inspire further research to be healthcare providers should be highly aware conducted in the areas of COVID-19 of appropriate infection prevention measures pandemic in Sri Lanka. One such topic for for suspected patients. The defence forces future research can be suggested as a should continue to provide their support and comparison of the journey during COVID-19 strength to control and fight off this deadly of Sri Lanka with the aid of the Defence disease. forces as opposed to any country that did not receive the assistance or contribution from Limitations and Future Research their defence forces.

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