• Calls on Govt. to return Sri Lankans in China for free
• Requests Govt. to step in and control prices of face masks, increase stocks 
• Backs measures to monitor all arrivals from China, including those with local work permits 

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday called on the Government to take immediate measures to contain the possible spread of coronavirus and work to reassure the public. 

Speaking at the Opposition Leader’s office, MP Harshana Rajakaruna said the Government has to take strong measures, which many need to be maintained long-term, as the world remains vigilant of the spread of the disease that has killed more than 100 people in China.  

MP Harshana Rajakaruna

“Some countries have taken tough decisions to prevent spreading of the virus. Several countries even stopped flights from China on a temporary basis and shut down borders. These are decisions we may have to consider taking in order to prevent the spreading of the virus,” he said.

Rajakaruna added that considering the situation, all Sri Lankans in China should be allowed to return to Sri Lanka for free, with the Government footing the airfare cost. He argued that the cost of bringing Sri Lankans back to the country is an urgent need and therefore should be considered as a public need.

“The national airline decided to charge 50% of the fee from passengers who wish to come back to Sri Lanka. This is a bit unfair, as they might have run out of money due to the prevailing situation in China, and therefore it is best to bring them back for free,” he opined. 

The Parliamentarian also called on the Government to provide sufficient face masks or surgical masks to the public. Due to large numbers of consumers stocking up on masks, a shortage has been created in the market. Rajakaruna pointed out that given the unprecedented situation some sellers were increasing the prices of face masks and putting the public in a difficult situation. He insisted that the Government should address this issue by either increasing local production, or finding ways to import extra stocks of masks. 

However, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi told reporters at a separate press conference that it will be difficult to increase local production of face masks immediately, as the raw materials also have to be sourced from China. Importers have to be pre-registered with the National Medicinal Regulatory Authority, and complying with these regulations will take time, officials said.  

Rajakaruna also pointed out that special measures should be taken to quarantine all foreigners arriving from China to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Most of the Chinese nationals who work in Sri Lanka return to China for their New Year, but in the coming days they will come back to Sri Lanka. This has raised concerns among the public. The Government should take measures to identify whether any of them are infected, even if it means that have to be quarantined once they arrive in Sri Lanka.” 

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