• Government has not requested for our support but we are ready to support them as a responsible opposition
• Government should take the blame for the current third wave

By Yohan Perera  

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday offered support for the government to end the ongoing COVID pandemic in the country.  

“We will support any good move taken by the government to arrest the spread of COVID-19 pandemic,” SJB National Organiser Tissa Attanayake told a press conference.   
“Government has not requested for our support but we are ready to support them as a responsible opposition. We will not try to gain political advantages out of the present pandemic. We can take to the streets any time against the government but will not do it considering the present situation in the country,” he said.   

“Whatever criticism we will make will not be aimed at hostilities but solely aimed at putting the country on the right track,” Mr.Attanayake said while highlighting that government should take the blame for the current third wave. “Government failed to introduce proper health guidelines for the people to follow especially during the recent festive season. Also the decision to offer quarantine packages for foreigners is also a mistake,” he said.   
Also the SJB National Organiser said government should have planned to supply organic fertiliser before totally banning chemical fertiliser. “Banning of chemical fertiliser is commendable but it should be done gradually when an alternative becomes available. A sudden decision to ban chemical fertiliser could result in a food shortage as harvests could go down without fertiliser,” he said. 

• Government should have planned to supply organic fertiliser before totally banning chemical fertiliser