UNP calls on Govt. to ensure wellbeing of armed forces and Police

• Claims isolated Navy personnel being dosed with unproven remedies 
• Warns against using schools as quarantine centres 
• Criticises blatant violations of health regulations 

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday said that they were not satisfied with the measures taken by the Government to ensure the safety, wellbeing and professional dignity of armed forces personnel deployed for COVID-19 containment duties. 

Issuing a press release, former State Minister of Defence and former UNP parliamentarian Ruwan Wijewardena charged that 4,000 sailors isolated at the Welisara Navy camp are being used as ‘lab rats’ by being asked to inhale steam, consume herbal porridge and other traditional remedies which are informal treatments and unsafe, pointing out that the allegations were made by sailors within the camp who were undergoing treatment. 

Wijewardena opined that armed forces personnel are being stationed in several schools and the conduct of some individuals may lead to a situation that might endanger the health and wellbeing of teachers who attend these schools once they reopen. 

“Nevertheless, stationing those infected with COVID-19 with those who don’t have it in a facility poorly equipped to treat them is a blatant violation of the public health regulations issued to control this situation and have placed the service personnel lives in a dangerous predicament,” he stated. 

Wijewardena also charged that the members of the Government and persons close to them were openly violating public health regulations which the armed forces and Police have been trying to enforce across the island, thereby demeaning their efforts and eroding their professional dignity in the eyes of the public. 

“Due to the actions of those in power and those who are in the Government, there is now a lot of distrust regarding the rule of law and justice in the country. The notion that the law must apply equally to all has been ridiculed by the actions of some in Government today. Those who have to bear the brunt of this unfortunate situation are the armed forces personnel, Police officers and members of the Civil Security Department who enforce them daily,” he added.