Sajith calls for nationwide quarantine

Wednesday, 18 March 2020 01:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sajith Premadasa

Reiterates call to postpone Parliamentary Polls
Harin says EC vested with power to postpone election after nomination period

By Nuwan Senarathna

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader yesterday called on the Government to undertake nationwide quarantine measures against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and postpone the upcoming General Election.

Premadasa alleged that the Government had ignored the risk of COVID-19 spreading and failed to mitigate it. He claimed that the Government was unable to roll out necessary measures to control the outbreak.

“Considering the prevailing situation, we have to focus on public safety rather than the election. As a nation, we should focus on containing the coronavirus and only after that should we go for an election,” Premadasa opined.

He said several countries had taken tough measures to lock down their countries and cities to contain COVID-19, which Premadasa stressed was the best option to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He pointed out that the lockdown would help the Government to effectively conduct quarantine measures.

“Some countries have taken tough measures to contain the virus. Several countries also informed their citizens to work from home. Most countries decided to close down their airports as well. However, the Sri Lankan Government is yet to make a final call on that despite the urgency,” Premadasa added.

The former Opposition Leader charged that the Government was only focused on winning the General Election with a two-thirds majority.

“This is a very immature political move,” Premadasa said.

SJB Election Operation Officer and former Parliamentarian Harin Fernando in a statement said the Government’s decision to go ahead with the election indicated that it was ready to pay any price to secure a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

He pointed out that the Election Act held provisions for the Election Commission to postpone the election after the nomination period was over. Fernando also requested the President to convene Parliament.