Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva says the closure of the country for a short time period will not have a severe impact on the country’s economy.
Speaking at a media briefing today, MP de Silva called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to pay attention to saving lives from the coronavirus pandemic at this crucial juncture as alternative measures can be taken to restore the economy, if the country’s closure impacts the economy.
The MP added the people are severely affected due to the negative decisions of the government in controlling COVID-19.
He said shortcomings in the economic programme of the government has led to the present economic state.
The MP charged that the government from the inception, has been reaching arbitrary decisions related to the coronavirus.
He noted that Sri Lanka is currently ranked third in the world, in COVID-19 deaths, in comparison to a million of the population.
MP de Silva urged the President to speak to experts, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and allies overseas of the impact a week’s closure will have on the economy, adding it will not be detrimental as some have claimed.
He stated an expert committee has claimed that 18,000 COVID-deaths will be reported.
The Parliamentarian added the coronavirus situation cannot be controlled like fighting a war.
MP de Silva commenting on decisions by the public to self-isolate and close shops and towns said such a situation has arisen due to the lack of decisions by the government.
MP Harsha de Silva warned that if such a situation persists, the country will head to a state of anarchy.
