Govt should reach a consensus with political and social groups on COVID situation: Ranil

By Yohan Perera  

UNP MP and Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to discuss the present pandemic situation with political parties representing Parliament, clergy, business community and other professionals and try to reach a consensus on combating COVID-19.  

There is a rapid growth of COVID 19 cases. There have been more than 5000 deaths so far. WHO Sri Lanka in its latest meeting of an independent special expert group has estimated that there will be 30,000 deaths by the end of this year. 

The Group had also pointed out that 18,000 lives could be saved if the government imposed restrictions similar to what was imposed in May this year. We must try and prevent all these deaths,” Mr. Wickremesinghe said in a special statement.  

“UNP had presented a set of proposals on containing the pandemic. Other political parties may also have their own set of proposals. We have to reach a consensus and work together in combating the pandemic. We have asked the Speaker to summon Parliament so that we can discuss matters. However it is not advisable to convene the House now with a number of MPs having been tested COVID positive. Therefore I would request the President to summon a meeting of leaders of political parties representing Parliament and discuss matters. Also I request the President to discuss matters with the clergy, business community, other professionals and get into an agreement to a programme to contain COVID 19,” he added.