Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera told Parliament that the Opposition should not try to take political advantages of the Covid-19 pandemic prevailing in the country and instead should support the Government to fight it.
Speaking during the debate on the Covid-19 situation, the Minister reminded how the same Opposition tried to hinder the former Government led by then President Mahinda Rajapaksa during the final phase of the battle against terrorism.
Minister Amaraweera said, “Many Opposition MPs call for a lockdown of the country. However, when lockdown was imposed before, the Opposition was going around questioning that move as well. We should not politicise this matter. If any lockdown is needed, our health and defence authorities will reach that decision. If we go for a total lockdown, how can people sell their products? How will people purchase necessary items?”
He also said, “Countries that have faced the worst stages of the pandemic have not gone for total lockdowns. Therefore, it is obvious that the Opposition is looking forward to take advantage of the situation. The Government will not hesitate to take crucial decisions to save the country from this pandemic, with or without the support of the Opposition. However, we strongly believe that the responsibility of an Opposition is to support the Government when it is on the correct path.”
“It is good to point out our shortcomings; we can accept criticism. However, it is the responsibility of the Opposition to support the Government in times of need. This pandemic affects everybody; the Opposition should realise that,” the Minister highlighted.
