Sajith says ‘summon Parliament soon’

Former Opposition Leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa urged the government to re-convene Parliament soon to discuss the Coronavirus pandemic and arrive at a national strategy to overcome it.

He was addressing the SJB Akmeemana Bala Mandalaya in Meepawala, Galle last Friday. The meeting was organised by former Galle District parliamentarian Wijepala Hettiarachchi.

“We do not want to make the Coronavirus issue a political game. Parliament should be re-convened without delay so we can discuss the issue in detail. We want to contribute towards the defence and the good of the country and the people. This is a time of protecting and ensuring the right to existence of the people. The SJB is prepared to do any sacrifice for the sake of the country and the people,” he said.

“We appreciate the government’s move to initiate the quarantine mission for the people arriving here from other virus-infected countries. It is essential. However, this same clinical operation is not set up for the Chinese nationals. It is only for Sri Lankans arriving from abroad. Why is there separate rule for Chinese? We want to know it. Some say that it is due to technical reasons. Such reasons should be disclosed to the people, Premadasa further said.

He said Sri Lankans work in countries such as Italy, Korea and the Middle East. “The Government has not paid attention to those Sri Lankan workers,” he said..

“SJB doors are open for every elephant and she-elephant. Everyone is requested to join hand with the party.

We will embark on a victorious political journey uniting all forces,” he said.

“Ex-parliamentarians including Gayantha Karunathilake, Bandulalal Bandarigoda, Piyasena Gamage, Manusha Nanaykakara and Wijepala Hettiarachchi have joined hands with us except one MP. He also has no obstacle to join with us,” Premadasa said.

Former parliamentarians Gayantha Karunathilake, Bandulalal Bandarigoda, Piyasena Gamage, Manusha Nanaykakara and Wijepala Hettiarachchi, ex-provincial councillors Jayantha Jayaweera, and Habaraduwa, UNP Chief Organiser Tharaka Nanayakkara participated.