COVID-19 control and management strategies should always consider the predicted pandemic scenario of the country with possible resource limitations, specially in the face of serious potential threat for work force burnout, an Expert Panel appointed by the NOCPCO has said. It has also said that the decisions on COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine need to be taken based on the new evidence, ongoing location data analysis and global evidence synthesis. These findings of the expert panel were discussed at a NOCPCO meeting co-chaired by Minister Dr Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Health Secretary Sanjaya Munasinghe, General Shavendra Silva and Dr Asela Gunawardana last afternoon. During the discussions, current COVID-19 Prevention Strategies of Sri Lanka were reviewed in the light of the interim report released by the Independent Expert Panel appointed by General Silva. The discussion centred around the panel report, compiled on the basis of the process of review, observations and recommendations, proposed improvements to the existing overall strategy, country level coordination, planning, monitoring and integrated decision-making process, information and data management and its sharing, risks involved in communication, testing strategy, clinical management/ hospital resilience, consideration for the current vaccination strategy, etc. The Panel conducted a series of consultations on a wide range of topics and issues, related to the COVID 19 response with delegates from relevant Directorates at Provincial and District levels and their technical heads, subject consultants in the Ministry of Health. The proposed changes to the programme and strategies are based on four core concepts. It was suggested an integrated decision making mechanism and joint operation coordination with transparent vertical and lateral communication as the key for well-coordinated efficient pandemic control were to be established while ensuring minimal transmission among internal staff reaching new normal life across all sectors in a realistic manner.  The panel consisted of Dr Palitha Abeykoon, Professor Athula Sumathipala, Dr Nihal Abeysinha, Dr Ananda Wijewickrama, Professor Manuj Weerasingha, Dr Shirani Chandrasiri, Professor Neelika Malavige, Professor Sunneth Agampodi, and Colonel Dr Saveen Semage.