The 10,000 beds in 10 days programme to overcome the shortage of beds for COVID-19 patients, a concept of Minister of Youth and Sports Namal Rajapaksa was completed last Sunday by the youth who volunteered for the initiative.
The programme was implemented throughout the country. The National Youth Services Council and the National Youth Corps took the lead in achieving the objectives of the project with the extensive contribution of government agencies and various voluntary organizations. The project of 10,000 beds in 10 days commenced on May 7 and to date 16,000 new beds have been set up, surpassing that target.
Young people volunteered for this national cause to help people affected by the epidemic, regardless of party affiliation although some with vested political interests questioned whether making beds was a cure for the corona patients. Also young people have been involved in the renovation of many hospitals through this project and 13 additional ward complexes with facilities have been added to the hospitals as a result. Minister of Youth and Sports Namal Rajapaksa also called on the youth scattered across the country to continue this good work without stopping with the achievement of the bed target.
