Leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) MP Mano Ganesan yesterday said that as a result of the illogical and imprudent policies of the current rulers, the country was now like a ship without a captain.

Addressing a media briefing in Colombo, MP Ganesan said: “Today, this country is without an active government or a leader.”

“How have countries such as India and Bangladesh protected and developed their economies to a level of being able to grant us loans?” the MP asked.

“This country is blessed with greater advantages than India and Bangladesh. Sri Lanka is an island and that could have been shielded against the Coronavirus entering it. But, the government should take responsibility for allowing the Coronavirus to enter the country as they opened up the country. Hence, you are responsible for the thousands of deaths due to Covid,” he said, adding that the government had no right to blame the rising cost of living in the country on the pandemic.

He said that the current rulers should hand over the country to those who knew how to run it and resign.

MP Ganesan said that even the fertiliser imported to the country had been found to be unsuitable by the National Plant Quarantine Services (NPQS). However, the Chinese Embassy has rejected this report claiming it to be wrong. They claim their fertiliser is of good standard and have released a report on tests carried out in their country. “What is this? The Directors of the NPQS should respond to these claims,” he said.