Island wide lockdown will affect daily wage earners: Cabraal

21 August 2021 06:19 am - 29 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Money, Capital Market and State Enterprises Reform State Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal said those who pressurise the government into imposing an island wide lockdown pay no attention to the plight of 4.2 million Sri Lankans who live on daily wages, self-employment and to casual workers in the state and private sector.

The government is not in a position to continuously pay Rs.5,000 a month or distribute food parcels worth Rs.10,000 either to over four million families who will end up cent less and destitute if the government goes for a countrywide lockdown, Minister Cabraal added.

Minister Cabraal told Daily Mirror yesterday that those who urge the government to impose a lockdown are those who have a steady monthly income as employees of the public and private sector and those who attempt to use it as a political weapon against the government.

“How does an island-wide imposition of lockdown affect the already weakened economy? We will have to halt all productions, the industry, agricultural and trading activities, tourist industry. It will also affect the main revenue generated sources to the state like the Sri Lanka Customs, Inland Revenue Department and Excise Department.the main exports like garments and apparel, tea, rubber and all other exports will get hit badly. Therefore, I believe that a complete confinement in the country will no doubt be a disaster to the people and the country. If that happens, our foreign reserves will deplete further, precipitating a depreciation of the rupee to unfathomable measures which ultimately lead to increase the Cost of Living,” Minister Cabraal emphasised.

The government’s immunisation drive is progressing satisfactorily which was commended even by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The government has fully inoculated 52% of the total population by now and over 20% have been given the first jab. The government’s target is to immunise all

Sri Lankans over 30 years of age by end October. By that time, the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka would be fully controlled. However, the government will not hesitate to isolate highly contagious pockets in the country, Minister Cabraal said.

“We must pay attention to the long term effects of an island-wide lockdown on the people and the economy. One may see it as an ad-hoc solution to the current health crisis. But in the long run and for the majority of Sri Lankans, I don’t see imposing a countrywide lockdown is a pragmatic idea,” Minister Cabraal stressed. (SANDUN A. JAYASEKERA)

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Comments - 29

Citizens for truth Saturday, 21 August 2021 07:37 AM

I agree with you on this

Priyan77 Saturday, 21 August 2021 07:38 AM

Pay only 50% for government servants, except health

Jans Saturday, 21 August 2021 07:41 AM

Absolutely but CABRAL you have Enough millions of USD deposited for Decades for your Loved ones Haahhhh✓✓✓

BuffaloaCitizen Saturday, 21 August 2021 10:21 AM

He is also a daily wage earner, everyday a deal in millions. Did you think this crook is doing this job due to the salary his position gives?

Econ-mutt Saturday, 21 August 2021 07:45 AM

No need to tell us. "Economic wizards" like you should find ways to assist them. How many people can be supported if you stop drawing your salary, allowances and commissions for a month?

Lanka Saturday, 21 August 2021 07:54 AM

What's the point of daily wage if he is gasping for breath? This is a tough call but the government should take care of these people during the lockdown by sacrificing a potion of their salaries. It's a matter of life or daily wage....isn't it?

AC Saturday, 21 August 2021 07:56 AM

Canbraal yes if there is a lockdown your bank accounts will not be filled for sure. Don’t try to prove and make bullish senseless statements that u care for the daily wage people.

jimbo Saturday, 21 August 2021 08:03 AM

Find a solution Ajith without uttering nonsense. Don't be nincompoop.

Misaru Saturday, 21 August 2021 08:04 AM

Ah! So you are also part of this killing spree. Justice need to be melted once you lose power.

Karu Saturday, 21 August 2021 08:05 AM

Lockdowns hurt economy. True. But you failed to keep some activities like night clubs and SPAs closed for sometime. May be they are owned by people with right connections. A continuous night curfew to prevent people from social gathering too would have helped. Just opening everything after a lockdown serves no purpose.

AFVF Saturday, 21 August 2021 08:21 AM

If tax payers money is utilized properly without going into greedy politicians pockets then there's no reason that the government cannot pay compensation to the less privileged due to prolonged lockdowns

ravin Saturday, 21 August 2021 08:30 AM

and commission earners.

Citizen Kane Saturday, 21 August 2021 08:31 AM

Gosh. This guy is a genius. What a profound observation.

Nuwan Saturday, 21 August 2021 08:35 AM

Exactly, but then why the policy inconsistency and lack of backbone to take hard decisions from the govt?

Concerned Saturday, 21 August 2021 08:35 AM

Why was there no contigency plan made?Human lives matter and only people who lost their beloved feel the pain.

Ranjith Saturday, 21 August 2021 08:37 AM

Lockdown has nothing to do with politics it's the duty of the government to look after the wage earners and senior citizens lockdown is for control spreading of the virus and reduce deaths and release the pressure on hospitals and health authorities be more sensible Minister

Sand Saturday, 21 August 2021 08:40 AM

You can do some charity, give some money you took home.

horek kathakarai Saturday, 21 August 2021 08:40 AM

You have no idea about the situation in the country. Use billions stolen by the ruling clan to help people. 69 millions didn't vote for this. Most government servants are government supporters.

Thimothy joseph Saturday, 21 August 2021 09:40 AM

Putting every common mans lively hood in Jeopardy these fellows just worried of loosing their commissions a few days of lock down to save the people from dyeing.

Ranjith Saturday, 21 August 2021 10:06 AM

Government is responsible for the current situation in the country please Minister be careful when you open your mouth

Sambo Saturday, 21 August 2021 10:09 AM

You don't have to be a pundit to say this. Even a small child will understand in country like Sri Lanka where 70% of the population are daily wage earners it will effect them.

fartonomics kabaraya Saturday, 21 August 2021 12:07 PM

a fart of a normal cost accountant who thinks economics is a fashion.

Chandana Saturday, 21 August 2021 12:08 PM

Hats off. U think about poor people. You are a great leader with a vision .

subash Saturday, 21 August 2021 03:44 PM

just the money the Rajapaskes's spent on posters at the last election should be sufficient to pay the daily wage earners for the next 6 months

Labby Saturday, 21 August 2021 03:49 PM

So let the people get infected and die. Then you wouldn't need to pay them even on a daily basis.

Horunge horu katussa Saturday, 21 August 2021 04:26 PM

Return all you have stolen

Ranaweera Saturday, 21 August 2021 06:36 PM

Lockdowns are good for people with money and fixed income jobs. Key to control this virus is vaccination supported with everyone following health guidelines. While vaccination progress is satisfactory, individuals are not following health guidelines. Then everyone blames just one person for all their collective actions. Do you know that person you blame, works 18 hours a day while you guys are drinking and partying. People in Sri Lanka are such mean minded lot.

Mirosaan Saturday, 21 August 2021 07:48 PM

Finally he found this after several lockdowns.

Damian Perera Saturday, 21 August 2021 10:42 PM

Everyone knows this, you as a Govt representative do something about it or are you expecting us to do something about it ? while you and your Colleagues rob what is left of the country

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Island wide lockdown will affect daily wage earners: Cabraal

Comments - 29

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