Update existing laws pertaining to Epidemics : SJB

• Government cannot legally spend funds after April 30 as per the financial regulations

By Yohan Perera   

Updating existing laws pertaining to Epidemics to be in line with today’s needs is one of the major activities, which Parliament could do in the event it is reconvened, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said yesterday.    

SJB candidate and former MP Mujibur Rahman told a press conference that updating existing outdated laws pertaining to epidemics is one of the few activities which the legislature could do if it is reconvened.   Also, he said issues pertaining to government spending could also be resolved if Parliament becomes active once again. “Government cannot legally spend funds after April 30 as per the financial regulations. Therefore, this matter could be resolved by reconvening the House and seeking its approval for spending after April 30,” the former MP said.   
“We are not asking for the House to be convened just get our pension checked or to get any allowances but because there are serious issues that should be resolved,” he added.   

Also, he stressed the need to resolve issues pertaining to Rs.5,000 allowance that are paid to needy people. He said this should be extended to those who are stranded in Colombo without being able to go back to their villages as a result of the present situation.  Former MP Dr Tusitha Wijemanne who also participated in the press conference said steps should be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to rural areas. “Awareness should be created among rural folks on the disease as signs of it spreading to rural areas have become visible,” he said.