PHU defends govt.’s decision to bring back students from China

Says they are placed in sterilized rooms and proper precautionary measures are followed 

The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) yesterday defended the government’s decision to bring back Sri Lankan students from China due to the new coronavirus, and said that proper check-ups would be conducted before releasing these students.  

Speaking at a news briefing, PHU Leader and MP Udaya Gammanpila said some UNP MPs have said that there is a health hazard and that the lives of 22 million were at risk when these students were brought to Sri Lanka.   

“They say these students should be treated in China and then be brought back to Sri Lanka. This is petty politics. They are our children, children of UNP, JVP and TNA can also be there. They have not yet fallen sick. Only inhuman persons can suggest that these students be kept in a pile of germs and wait till they get sick,” the MP said.   

He said finding food for these students has also become problematic today.   “In the videos they posted on social media networks, they say that the cities are uninhabitable and the government is providing food through the army. Supermarkets have only soft drinks and chocolate. They can’t survive on soft drinks and chocolate. We will not leave these children alone,” he said.  

He said it could take up to 14 days for symptoms to come up after someone was infected with the virus.   

“We are not sending these children home right away. They are placed in specially sterilized rooms in the hospitals where each child is individually examined for 14 days and released only if no illness is reported. Therefore, the Opposition’s claim that 22 million of people are at risk of contracting the new coronavirus, because these students were brought back, is a total lie,” he said.  He said the government has wisely taken necessary steps so as not to create any risky situation in the country.  

It could take up to 14 days for symptoms to come up after someone was infected with the virus