Former Prime Minister and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has called on the Cabinet to immediately take full control of the pandemic related administration as the Covid task forces appears to have failed in the country.
Releasing a video footage Mr. Wickremesinghe said that if action was not taken immediately, a large number of lives could be lost in the country.
Speaking further UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said,
“We are facing a severe case of Covid-19 today. People’s health care is deteriorating. 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. This Covid disease is increasing day by day. Now we are at a critical juncture. If we do not make decisions now according to our medical advice and health advice, we will get into 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 the peak of the rapid growth of patients. Also, more than a hundred deaths a day can occur in June and 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, the Cabinet Ministers and the Cabinet should take full powers to protect our people from this epidemic. The committees under the Covid administration have failed. None of the seriousness of what has been said before has materialized.
People have lost faith. We ask the Cabinet to give these powers. The President and the Cabinet should assume these powers immediately. Talk to the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament this week. Get their support and feedback. They too need 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. ”
