A complete lock-down essential: Sajith

By Yohan Perera   
Government should not act like Nero, who played the fiddle when Rome was burning, but should announce a complete lock-down to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 infection, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa told a news conference yesterday.

“Many countries have cancelled all events and gone into nationwide lock-downs. France has cancelled the second round of its local elections, Britain has postponed its local elections while the US is currently carrying out discussions on postponing its presidential election even though it is only due in November. However, the Sri Lankan government is having election mania hell-bent on obtaining a two-thirds majority in Parliament,” he said.   

Mr. Premadasa said the number one priority was to protect the people and prevent the COVID-19 from spreading.   

He said his earlier requests to call for a national-level discussion and the postponement of the general election has been unfortunately turned down by the government.