• Those who have succumbed to COVID in SL has become twice as many as those who have died of the pandemic in China
• Ministers are putting the lives of  people in this country on auction

By Yohan Perera  

It is clear that the current lockdown imposed by the government is a failure, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.   

“One can clearly see that the current lockdown is a failure, considering the number of non-essential vehicles plying on the roads, though the government is claiming that such a lock down is in force,” Mr. Premadasa said in a statement.  

“The number of persons who have succumbed to COVID in Sri Lanka has become twice as many as those who have died of the pandemic in China where it originated. Professionals, politicians, businessmen, sports men and women have succumbed to the pandemic in Sri Lanka. We have felt the pain of losing a loved one personally. I am still suffering from the shock of losing my father. There have been 10,000 COVID cases this week while the daily death rate has come to 200. The Health Minister has said 200 people in Sri Lanka die whether there is a pandemic or not. Another Minister has said one should not take much notice of COVID as it is like the common cold. It seems that these ministers put the lives of the people in this country into an auction. Also the health workers are under pressure as politicians give them orders,” Mr. Premadasa said.  

“Prices of essential items have increased lately. Price of sugar has increased up to Rs. 210 a kilo. It was Rs. 160 a week ago. Sri Lanka has lost Rs. 20 billion as a result of the sugar scam. Government is responsible for this,” he added.