Amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic, nurses in Sri Lanka have decided to go on a two-day strike from today, a move that could seriously affect the country’s COVID-19 response.

The action by the All Ceylon Nurses's Union came after they alleged that the government has failed to address issues faced by nurses. The general secretary of the All Ceylon Nurses’ Union said despite repeated calls, they haven’t received any proper solution to problems. 

“All our members will report sick leave from tomorrow morning to June 01,” he said. Nurses have been complaining about the shortage of masks, PPE kits, and surgical masks. The union has handed over a list--containing eight key demands-- to the government. 

The COVID-19 is already on rising in Sri Lanka, and the discovery of the B.1.617 variant-- which was responsible for India’s disastrous Covid surge-- has further alarmed Sri Lankan authorities.

The country on Sunday reported 2859 cases in total; Among them, 608 cases are alone for capital Colombo. Opposition leaders in the country are now increasingly questioning the government's mishandling of the COVID-19 situation. 

Sri Lankan army chief General Shavendra Silva is heading the national task force to manage the COVID-19 crisis.