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SJB MP Tissa Attanayake and Dehiwala Coordinator Channa Vikum addressing the media yesterday
By Asiri Fernando
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National Organiser and Parliamentarian Tissa Attanayake yesterday (17) called on the Government to allow the private sector to import COVID-19 vaccines which have been approved for use.
Addressing the media at the Opposition Leader’s office, the Opposition MP suggested that the private sector could inoculate its staff if permitted to import vaccines, adding that it would help ease the burden on the Government. He was joined by SJB Dehiwala Coordinator Channa Vikum at the press conference. The Opposition MP argued that the national vaccine drive was out of control and that due to a lack of planning the Government was stumbling in its last minute efforts to secure COVID-19 vaccines.
He blamed the Government for not heeding the advice of medical experts and the Opposition last year when they requested that adequate stocks of vaccines be ordered.
MP Attanayake also questioned why the Government was issuing conflicting messages to the public during a health crisis, charging that doing so eroded the public’s trust in the health sector at a critical time.
“The Government is confusing the public. At one time it says adequate AstraZeneca doses have been secured and the next day it says otherwise. It says it is trying to figure out if two vaccines can be mixed and a cocktail be given to the public. Dr. Fernandopulle says it can’t be done as the World Health Organisation has not approved it yet. However, Cabinet Co-Spokesman Udaya Gammanpila says a mixture of vaccines can be given. Why is the Government communicating irresponsibly?” the Opposition MP queried.
Attanayake also pointed out that education had been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, urging the Government to revisit the study from home plan for students as many students did not have access to the tools needed to access lessons in the digital domain.
“The Government needs to come up with viable alternatives instead of hoping that all children will be able to study online. We see telecommunication companies making profits from this situation,” the Opposition MP complained, adding that the SJB was ready to assist the Government on matters of national importance.
