“Don’t blame the public for the second wave of Covid infections” – Kiriella

Published

5 years ago

2020/11/15

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella is urging the government not to blame the public for the second wave of Covid 19 infections which has increased the death toll from the disease.

He told Parliament during debate on the first reading of the Appropriations Bill yesterday that there is a saying about politicians which is “if we win, it’s us, if we lose you are to blame.”

“During the first wave because there was some control, you took the credit, but now that the second wave is out of control you are blaming the public,” he said.

“It is the duty of the government to protect and safeguard the people,” he added. “Don’t insult our people.”

Kiriella also warned the government not to rush into bringing a vaccine until the proper testing is done.

He also criticized the government for not passing laws and regulations to deal with the Covid outbreak on time.

“Most countries had laws and regulations in place in the April-May period, but this government said Covid is over and failed to bring in the necessary laws,” he said.

He said that the government is blaming the opposition for discouraging investors from entering Sri Lanka.

“But the government is to be blamed for amending the constitution in such a way that the Judiciary is no longer independent,” Kiriella said.

He pointed out that China, about 25 years ago, made far reaching changes to it’s legal system to make it more independent.

“They particularly focused on the implementation of the Companies Act,” Kiriella said.

“It was after those changes were made that investors began to flow into China.” (ECONOMYNEXT)

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PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo

Published

3 hours ago

2026/04/13

Priyan

The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.

The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.

The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).

Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.

Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district

Published

22 hours ago

2026/04/12

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED

Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note: In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

Latest News

Sun directly overhead Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon. today [12]

Published

22 hours ago

2026/04/12

Priyan

On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (12th) are Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon.