Former Minister of Fisheries and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dilip Wedaarachchi has made international headlines after consuming raw fish during a press conference held yesterday (17). The MP pulled the stunt to dispel the rumours claiming that Covid-19 virus can be transmitted by consumption of seafood.
The MP’s actions have drawn praise from social media users and was seen as an attempt to support the hard hit fisher community in the country after fish sales have stumbled after a major Covid-19 cluster emerged from the Peliyagoda Fish Market last month. His actions also drew attention from international media outlets which had widely reported the incident. The story had been picked up from various media outlets across the world including USA, UK and Malaysia.
“I appeal to the people of the country to eat fish. Do not be afraid, you will not contract coronavirus,” MP Wedaarachchi said before taking a bite out of the raw fish he was holding at the press event.
He also called on the government to provide relief to the fishing communities affected by the pandemic outbreak.
WATCH : Full Media Briefing of the Former Minister
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