SJB calls for COVID-19 relief package for people

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday called on the Government to provide relief for daily wage earners affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and public employees who continue to provide essential services amidst the crisis.

SJB General Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara urged the Government to expedite issuing the Rs. 5,000 allowances for low-income families, most of who depend on daily wages to get by. “The Government should also consider issuing a special allowance for state employees as they were issued their April pay early. A special allowance should be given to front line medical staff until the COVID-19 outbreak is brought under control,” MP Bandara said.

The Opposition parliamentarian criticised the lack of preparedness of the Government to face the crisis, questioning why the Government has not yet disclosed the details of a national vaccination drive.

“The Government makes sudden announcements regarding travel restrictions. However, they have not put in place a safe transport mechanism for State and private sector employees who have to report to work,” Bandara charged, urging the Government to consider vaccination of those in the transport sector.

The Opposition MP renewed calls for the Government to call an all-party conference to discuss how to better manage the virus outbreak, warning that if effective measures are not put in place soon the situation could get worse.