The opposition warns that a new COVID-19 wave could emerge in the country with unvaccinated children returning to schools on Thursday.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo today, Parliamentarian Rohini Kavirathna said there is a pertinent risk of children under the age of 12 years contracting COVID-19 with schools set to re-open on Thursday.
MP Kavirathna questioned the government as to whether it has taken adequate precautionary steps to minimise the spread of COVID-19 in schools.
She said since children below the age of 12 will not adhere to social distancing guidelines nor wash hands regularly it is likely that they will be exposed more to COVID-19 than others.
MP Rohini Kavirathna questioned whether who will take responsibility if a child is infected by the novel coronavirus or if a new COVID wave emerges.
The Parliamentarian therefore requested the government to ensure the safety and security of children.
On a separate note, MP Rohini Kavirathna said farmers are severely inconvenienced due to the fertiliser shortage.
MP Kavirathna said without weedicides, farmers cannot prepare their fields for the upcoming season.
She said starting this month, the Mahaweli Zone, the Eastern Province, the Matale district and several areas will receive considerable rainfall.
MP Kavirathna said however farmers are unable to make preparation due to the shortage of pesticides and fertiliser.
She said the government has not identified and provided the required fertiliser stocks to farmers for them to prepare for the new season.
MP Kavirathna questioned as to how the Agriculture industry will survive, if the current trend continues.
