Vanyarachch Pavitra (Pavithra Wanniarachchi)

Vanyarachch Pavitra (Pavithra Wanniarachchi)

Biography

2021: Dismissal from the post of Minister of Health for the use of witchcraft and potions against COVID-19

In mid-August 2021, the President of Sri Lanka demoted his Minister of Health Pavitra Wanyaracci, who publicly approved the use of witchcraft and magic potions to combat COVID-19. The Office of the President reported that the duties of the Minister of Health were transferred to the Minister of Media Kehelia Rambukwella, who is also the official representative of the Government.

It is known that Vannaracci not only approved the use of witchcraft, but also publicly adopted the "magic potion" against COVID-19, made by the sorcerer. This did not help her, and in January 2021, after contracting coronavirus, she went to intensive care. It is also known that in November 2020 she poured a pot of "blessed" water into the river, when the self-styled "saint" declared that this would put an end to the pandemic in the state.

During the Wanyaracci administration, the Ministry of Health was sharply criticized because it underestimated the numbers of coronavirus infection. However, despite the demotion, Pavitra Vanyaracci will remain in the cabinet - the president handed her over to the Ministry of Transport.

Meanwhile, the daily detection of COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka exceeded 3,000, but even public health officials say the actual number of cases may be three times higher. The government is still rejecting calls for a lockdown, but in early August, restrictions were tightened by imposing a six-hour night curfew on shops, restaurants and offices. Weddings, parties, state ceremonies and public meetings are also prohibited until September 1.

Earlier, the Medical Association of Sri Lanka sent a "last warning" to the government about the need to immediately limit the movement of people in order not to face an even greater overload in the health system.^[1]

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