Ranil calls on Government to take action to control COVID “disaster”
Former Prime Minister and Leader of the United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday, making a special statement on the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the country, urged the President and the Cabinet of ministers to take control of the worsening situation in the country.
Pointing out that the committees appointed to control the pandemic have failed, the former Premier called on the President and the Cabinet to take full powers to protect the people from this pandemic.
Following is the statement made by the UNP leader:
Today we are facing a severe situation in the COVID-19 disease. People’s healthcare is collapsing. The COVID-19 disaster is now spreading across Sri Lanka. There is a shortage of vaccines. There is a lack of oxygen. There is a shortage of ventilators. There is a shortage of beds in hospitals. Hospitals are full. Day by day this COVID disease is spreading. Now we are at a critical juncture. If we do not make decisions now according to our medical advice and health advice, we will be in trouble.
According to the latest report released by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, our country can reach a peak in the rapid increase in number of patients. Also, more than a hundred deaths a day can occur by June or July. Therefore, at this crucial juncture, we must all work together.
This is not a fight to save the name of the Government. Also, this is not a political battle. In fact, this is a fight to save the lives of the people. We are not asking for a change of Government. According to the constitution of this country, the responsibility of the country lies with the Cabinet.
The President and the Cabinet ministers should take full powers to protect our people from this epidemic. The committees under the COVID administration have failed.
Although the seriousness of this situation has been said before, none has been implemented since then. People have lost faith.
We ask to give these powers to the Cabinet. The President and the Cabinet should immediately assume these powers. Talk to the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament this week. Get their support and feedback. They too need to provide that support. Act quickly.
Many lives could be lost if not acted upon now. If there is sympathy for the people of the country, the Cabinet should take this responsibility. There are people out there with experience. I make a special request to act accordingly.
(Source: Daily FT)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- 12th International Meeting on Security Matters: High-Ranking officials convenes in Saint Petersburg April 24, 2024
- Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated April 24, 2024
- Damitha Abeyratne and husband granted bail April 24, 2024
- Maithripala Sirisena barred from SLFP chairmanship until trial ends April 24, 2024
- Iranian President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Sri Lanka April 24, 2024
Dear Ranil,
Mate, we want you in Parliament in that single seat available to the UNP.
Ranil, they fixed you in collaboration with the idiotic leadership of the so-called SJB.
This does not mean you and the UNP are losers.
You are a genuine leader (one of the few genuine leaders of our times).
I was reading your actions in the immediate aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings.
I realise now how you were blocked by the Pambaya and his cohorts in providing a high security, democratic response.
Ranil, you live in our hearts; they label you as not having mass appeal; that is not true.
We, the free-thinking people, value your gigantic contribution to the welfare of our Nation over many decades.
The ruling classes though, have lost your usability and are intent on promoting their own agenda, eg; 20A and best way forward is to keep you and the UNP out of the loop.
There are critical issues facing the Nation, CV19, economic disaster and the Port City.
The earlier you return to Parliament, we hope some sanity will prevail.
Yes, Ranil please we need your advice at this critical juncture. You are a genius and you know how to prevent (and face) disasters. After 97 alerts you couldn’t prevent the brutal Easter attack! We all admire how you protected our Central bank!! You have proven your ability to avoid disasters beyond reasonable doubts. Ranil you are fishing in muddy waters!!!