15 August 2021 03:30 pm
While saying the Government always takes decision pertaining to COVID-19 as per recommendations of medical experts, State Minister Channa Jayasumana said they would not be hesitant to lockdown the country if medical experts recommend doing so.
He told reporters that however, the medical experts had not yet recommend going for a lockdown as of now.
Here, it should be noted that several medical professionals including Sri Lanka Medical Association and Association of Medical Specialists have urged the Government on numerous occasions to impose either tougher restrictions or curfew in order to prevent further escalation of the COVID-19 situation.
They have also informed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in writing about the COVID-19 situation and the need to go for curfew or tighter restrictions.
Against this backdrop, State Minister Jayasumana the Government is bound to implement the recommendations officially put forward by the medical institutions and health experts. “All these are outside the purview of the Epidemiology Unit and the Presidential Task Force,” he said.
“However, there are individuals who act as a cat's paw for political forces and come out with suggestions to go for lockdown,” he pointed out.
The State Minister also said there should be a system where daily income earners get a relief if we are to go for a lockdown. (Sheain Fernandopulle)