• Govt. should not think it can fight the pandemic on its own. Fighting a pandemic is not like winning a war
• SJB National Organiser Tissa Attanayake said allowing the private sector to participate in COVID-19 vaccination programme will make it more efficient  

By Yohan Perera  

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)  yesterday urged the government to allow the private sector to participate in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.   

SJB National Organiser Tissa Attanayake who came out with this request on behalf of his party said allowing the private sector to participate in COVID-19 vaccination programme will make it more efficient.  

“Many companies including those in the apparel sector will be able to purchase and provide the vaccine to those who are working in their respective factories. Such a thing will be possible for any private company if that sector is allowed to participate in the vaccination programme. In addition those who can afford will be able to get the vaccine from private hospitals if they are also allowed to purchase and distribute,” Mr. Attanayake said.  

The SJB reiterated its call for an all party conference so that the opposition parties could also participate in the process of eradicating the pandemic. “Government should not think it can fight the pandemic on its own. Fighting a pandemic is not like winning a war,” he said.