Ranil cautions reopening sans increase in PCR tests

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday cautioned that reopening of several lockdown areas without increasing the number of PCR tests might result a critical situation than it is now.

“Social distancing is practised among all countries in the world as COVID-19 patients crossed four million mark. However, the Government is now planning to reopen the economy. I think this decision should be taken after consulting the health authorities and experts,” he said.

Wickremesinghe pointed out that the relaxing the curfew from today should be done along with an increase in the number of PCR tests. “I told from the beginning that we must at least conduct 3,000 PCR tests on a daily basis. If we resume operations without increasing the number of tests and relax the regulations on social distancing, things would turnout worse than it is now,” he warned.

Wickremesinghe also said it was important to provide personal protective equipment (PPEs) to all frontline workers in healthcare, Tri-Forces, Police and others engaged in providing essential services.

“It the duty of the Government to disclose the number of PCR tests conducted on a daily basis. When can Sri Lanka reach 3,000 PCR tests per day, whether the health authorities have sufficient test kits and have these medical gear been ordered already are some questions that we all have,” queried Wickremesinghe. 

He said the Health Minister should explain and work in a more transparent manner on the steps the Government has taken from late February up-to-date particularly on the health gear such as PCR test kits and face masks.

UNP Leader said there was nothing to worry financially as the World Bank has already allocated financial relief for the country to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka.

He claimed that the Government has not created sufficient awareness among the public on containing the spread of COVID-19. “The Government announcements are complicated and contradicting. It is hard to comprehend. Therefore, I suggest the Government to follow a simple and common way for communication.”

He also questioned the rationale behind Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundara’s request to public servants to donate half of their monthly salary to the Widows’ and Orphans’ Pension Fund. “Can the issues we face today be solved by donating State sector workers salaries? Is it that simple? What is the benefit the Government gets from obtaining those salaries donated to strengthen the economy? The Government is bound to give an explanation on the rationale behind this,” UNP Leader questioned. 

He said UNP is not trying to take political advantage from the COVID-19 pandemic, but will always support to contain the spread of the virus and give positive suggestions.

“Our suggestions and criticism is for the betterment of the country and we will always do so. I think it is also the duty of the Government to ensure better future for its countrymen. Then only we can overcome the crisis,” he said.