• Medical experts had not yet recommended going for a lockdown as of now

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

While saying the Government always takes decision pertaining to COVID-19 as per recommendations of medical experts, State Minister Channa Jayasumana said they would not be hesitant to lockdown the country if medical experts recommend doing so.  

He told reporters that however, the medical experts had not yet recommend going for a lockdown as of now.  
It should be noted that several medical professional bodies such as Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) and Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) have urged the Government on numerous occasions to impose either tougher restrictions or curfew in order to prevent further escalation of the COVID-19 situation.  

They had informed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in writing about the gravity of the present situation and the need to go for curfew or tighter restrictions.  

However, State Minister Jayasumana said all these entities were outside the purview of the Epidemiology Unit and the Presidential Task Force and the Government is bound to implement the recommendations officially put forward by the medical institutions and health experts.   

“There are individuals who act as a cat’s paw for political forces and come out with suggestions to go for lockdown,” he claimed.  The State Minister also said there should be a system where daily income earners get a relief, if we are to go for a lockdown.