• Calls for public unity to eradicate COVID-19
• Says public safety, not election, should be priority  

By Nuwan Senarathna

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday signed nominations papers to contest the forthcoming General Election from the Colombo District.

This is the first time Premadasa is contesting in a General Election from the Colombo District, the bastion of his father, late President Ranasinghe Premadasa.  

Sajith Premadasa

Previously he contested from the Hambantota District which was more favourable for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Former Opposition Leader signed his nominations at the SJB Head Office with the participation of his supporters. Several former United National Party (UNP) MPs also signed nomination papers.

Speaking to the media Premadasa called on the public not to panic and follow necessary measures to contain COVID-19. He also requested the public to work together to control the spread of the virus. “This is the time we should work together as a nation to contain the virus. We all should keep differences aside and stand strong as a united nation,” he said.

Premadasa pointed out that the country had faced many challenges before and emphasised that unity had helped overcome them, which needed to be taken into consideration to contain COVID-19.

He also noted that, given the situation, public safety should be the priority and an election should not be considered at the moment. 

Earlier the former Opposition Leader requested the Government to consider the postponement of the election and utilisation of funds allocated for the election for quarantine measures.

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