SLPP says immediate lockdown not considered

Wednesday, 18 March 2020 01:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday said the Government would take necessary measures to contain COVID-19 and assured that given the situation, an immediate lockdown would not be considered.

Former State Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told journalists the Government cannot act on the demands on social media. He added the Government would give proper consideration before taking any decision.

“Some called for a lockdown on social, media but as a Government we cannot take such a decision based on demands made on social media. We have to consider all factors and experts’ opinions before taking the decision to lockdown. As a Government, we have to consider those vulnerable sections in society as well,” he added.

“The Government has to consider every single fact. So far, the Government has taken several tough decisions, such as announcing a three-day holiday to ensure social distancing as part of mitigating the spread of COVID-19. The Government will take tougher decisions if necessary. Therefore, there is no reason to panic at the moment,” he said.

Abeywardena pointed out the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 prevention consists of experts in the health field, and that they will take necessary decisions considering the situation. He also assured that the decisions would not affect any section of society.

Former State Minister Abeywardena assured that the Government would not consider a lockdown unless it was absolutely necessary in order to contain the virus. He argued the Government had taken measures to contain COVID-19, and quarantined those who arrived from countries affected by COVID-19.

“We have done what needs to be done at the moment, therefore I can assure that we will do our best to contain the virus. The President and the Prime Minister have faced greater challenges, and they will take the necessary measures at this time as well,” he said.