A national appeal for the protection of the country on behalf of our next generation! May all citizens of Sri Lanka understand the importance!!
At present our motherland is facing the most tragic and devastating period in its history. The deadly Covid-19 virus is now rapidly spreading among the population while the death toll continues to climb. So much so that Sri Lanka currently has the highest covid mortality rate in the world. The dire situation calls on us to unite as a nation to take appropriate action now and to also take proper health care measures.
Accordingly as responsible citizens we must wear face masks, use antiseptic sanitizers, practice social distancing and self-quarantine those suspected of displaying Covid 19 symptoms.
We commend the efforts of the government to accelerate the Vaccination drive against Covid-19 with the assistance of the health and defence services!
But expert opinion is that vaccination only contributes about 50 per cent to slow down the spread of the new Covid-19 delta variant. Therefore public contribution through steps mentioned above is essential to cover the remaining 50 per cent. Therefore the government should initiate a program to provide face masks, disinfectants and quarantine kits free of charge to those who cannot afford them. If the need arises, the public would surely agree to the use of funds from the Covid 19 fund and the Presidents Fund provided they are utilized in a transparent manner.
We also urge the government to expedite the implementation of the World Health Organization’s recommendations, including imposing strict travel restrictions, to prevent the spread of the virus. If not, the nation’s loss of human life will exceed 30,000 by January 2022, according to experts.
We also emphasize that it is the responsibility of the government to provide accurate information and data to the public regarding this pandemic. Those responsible need to realize the damage that may be inflicted on the country and its people by concealing information and presenting inaccurate statistics.
The government must also bear at least 50 per cent of the costs payable by the members of public to private laboratories for antigen and PCR testing.
We therefore urge the government to immediately declare a state of national disaster and work to defeat Covid 19 as a united nation with a “National Council” of health, defence, economic and sociologists representing all parties in Sri Lanka.
The most affected and victims of Covid 19 are the marginalized sections of the society. Therefore we strongly urge the Government to implement a Disaster Socio-Economic Protection Network to secure their daily livelihoods.
The National Movement for Social Justice is prepared to unconditionally provide all necessary support to implement this plan of action that would benefit the citizens of Sri Lanka.
Sincerely,
Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya,
Chairman,
National Movement for Social Justice
(Former Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka)