Govt. will be compelled to impose stringent measures

If people fail to adhere to health guidelines

28 April 2021 07:01 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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If the people fail to adhere to health guidelines, the government has no option but to further reinforce safety regulations that would make life difficult, cabinet spokesman, Mass Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday.

The government is fully committed to keeping the COVID-19 pandemic at bay and take all measures possible to prevent it from spreading in epidemic proportions, but the community also has a national duty and responsibility to assist the government by strictly adhering to safety guidelines and protocol, he added.

“The government does not want to beef up health regulations to control the escalation of COVID-19. We try our best to keep the pandemic under control through existing safety regulations and security protocol as we controlled the first and second waves of the viral infection. But, though reluctantly, we will have to take unpopular measures if people behave irresponsibly and let pandemic becoming a health disaster,” Minister Rambukwella stressed.

In response to a journalist at the weekly cabinet news briefing last afternoon, Minister Rambukwella admitted that the government failed to impose strict health guidelines during the New Year which people gather in thousands to celebrate the festival.

“We were aware that there was a risk of the spike of the pandemic after the festive season. People attended shops and markets in thousands to purchase goods. They also attended New Year festivals and the sudden increase of the caseload of COVID-19 is the result, he said. Responding to another question, Minister Rambukwella said the disclosure in social media that certain private parties accept Indian nationals for 14-day quarantine stints in Sri Lanka was a ‘total lie’ and added it was politically fabricated misinformation.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s meeting with people under the ‘Gama Samaga Pilisandarak’ (a dialogue with the village) and Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa’s same programme with the people also pose a health risk, Minister Rambukwella also said. He assured that Sri Lanka has ample oxygen and ICU beds to treat COVID-19 patients. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)

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Comments - 15

RoaringCreek Wednesday, 28 April 2021 08:16 AM

Closing the gate after the horse has bolted. This government mishandled this pandemic from the beginning. The first wave was controlled as citizens followed all instructions through fear of the virus. Then the government had elections, then the "Pilisadaras", declaring extra holiday which gave a five day vacation. The main reason is the control of the pandemic was not steered by health professions. It was done by a man in fancy dress. Now face the music. A lockdown is eminent.

VJ Wednesday, 28 April 2021 08:16 AM

Too little too late. The PHI union was begging the govt. to ban the new year celebrations. We could have celebrated the festivities next year. You as the spokesman only speak and don’t listen.

ANTON Wednesday, 28 April 2021 08:17 AM

TYING TO CLOSE THE BARN DOOR AFTER THE HORSE HAS BOLTED.

Coronor Wednesday, 28 April 2021 08:22 AM

Appears to have just woken up when the virus has been working overtime without pay!!

Sokrates Wednesday, 28 April 2021 08:27 AM

All useless talking. Your criminal master knew before the holidays how people will behave.

Dee Wednesday, 28 April 2021 08:28 AM

Agree, it's people's fault totally (for electing you guys in with a majority) Period!

Terrence Wednesday, 28 April 2021 09:40 AM

Always the buck is passed to the public as this is the weakest segment which has no voice to retaliate

Lilonel Perera Wednesday, 28 April 2021 10:04 AM

You are 100% right, but the Govt. also make pre-arrangements to cater our masses.

M.A. Ariyapala Wednesday, 28 April 2021 10:05 AM

Country is burning you are playing and singing "Baila", get lost.

Dr. A.R. Jayasinghe Wednesday, 28 April 2021 10:07 AM

I am a Doctor, Using Covid, SLPP is playing a drama. Don't think people are fools now, you cannot brain wash us hereafter. Shut your dirty mouth man.

Bernard Wednesday, 28 April 2021 11:42 AM

Knowing very well that people would take advantage towards mobility during the New Year holiday period, why didn't you impose stringent measures earlier to.prevent the spread of the virus?

Bernard Wednesday, 28 April 2021 11:48 AM

You have been playing a hide and seek drama using COVID as a scapegoat to escape from the major issues facing the country.

Patriot Wednesday, 28 April 2021 11:50 AM

It is people who suffer when governments does not listen to the warnings from professionals.

Kandyan Wednesday, 28 April 2021 12:03 PM

Your are just another joker, but we will not laugh at you!

FF Wednesday, 28 April 2021 02:00 PM

IS KEHEL TALKING IN HIS SLEEP?

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Govt. will be compelled to impose stringent measures

If people fail to adhere to health guidelines

Comments - 15

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