The opposition has urged the government to enforce the curfew regulations strictly in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus and save valuable lives.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo today, Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahman said although a nation-wide quarantine curfew is currently in place, several Ministers and MPs part of the government are speaking against the lockdown.
MP Rahman said therefore it is evident that the present administration including the President was never in favour of a lockdown and quarantine curfew was imposed only due to the pressure exerted by health experts, trade unions and religious leaders.
He also questioned whether the curfew is being enforced correctly at present.
MP Mujibur Rahman noted that various factions are continuing their day-to-day activities without any reservations by claiming to be part of the group engaged in providing essential services.
He said it is unlikely that desired results from a lockdown can be achieved when the President and the government are having reservations to enforce a strict lockdown.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Sarath Fonseka says due to the delay in procuring required vaccine doses against COVID-19, valuable lives have been lost in the country.
Speaking to media, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said at the start of the pandemic, powerful Ministers claimed that they have alternatives and the country will not require vaccines. He said some Ministers went behind myths and delayed the purchasing of vaccines.
MP Fonseka said it resulted in several valuable lives being lost.
He said now the country has lost 20 times more lives than the death toll from the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
Parliamentarian Sarath Fonseka said at least now the government must strictly enforce quarantine regulations and contain the spread of the virus.
He also noted that although some Ministers had claimed that they have large reserves to fund development projects, the public has been severely burdened by the rapid increase in cost of living.
Parliamentarian Sarath Fonseka stressed that due to import restrictions, citizens have no access to some of the most essential items.

