PM calls for public to continue support for COVID-19 battle despite hardships

• Party leaders debriefed on Govt. measures
• Govt. says all decisions based on healthcare experts’ advice
• Party leaders pledge support to COVID-19 control measures: PMD

The Government yesterday called on the public to continue supporting the measures taken to counter COVID-19, despite the hardships created by prolonged curfew.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday summoned a party leaders’ meeting at Temple Trees to discuss the prevailing situation in the country. This is the second time party leaders met to discuss measures taken to combat COVID-19 in the country.

According to the Prime Minister’s Media Division, the discussion lasted for more than three hours. Former President Maithripala Sirisena, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa were also present at the discussion. 

According to the Prime Minister’s Media Division, Prime Minister Rajapaksa called on the public to follow the instructions of medical experts irrespective of the difficulties that had arisen due to curfew. He also emphasised the Government would only take decisions based on advice given by healthcare experts.

“The public will have to undergo a difficult time, especially in having to manage social and religious norms, due to the prevailing situation. I request them to support us despite these difficulties so that the Government can eradicate COVID-19,” the statement quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

The statement further said Health Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe had explained measures the Government had taken to contain the virus and identify infected individuals.

Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva also spoke about how the Government had quarantined Sri Lankans arrived from foreign countries to prevent the spread of the virus.

Presidential Task Force on Essential Services Head Basil Rajapaksa explained measures taken by the Government to distribute essential food items to the public and informed party leaders that the Government had adequate stocks of food.

According to the statement, party leaders expressed their appreciation to the Government for its efforts to deal with the virus and pledged their support. The party leaders also expressed their views about the measures that should be taken to effectively respond to COVID-19.