News
‘Prez reluctant to lockdown country because of the poor’
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa could lock down the country within seconds, but he would not do so out of his concern for millions of people who had not contracted COVID-19 and were eking out a living on a daily basis, Minister of Trade, Bandula Gunawardane said yesterday following an inspection tour of the Pettah wholesale markets.
“Some people ask us to lock down the country. There are millions of people who have not contracted COVID-19. We have to think of them as well,” he said.
Commenting on shop owners closing down business operations in over 30 towns across the country due to the spread of COVID-19, the Minister said that even if all shops around the country were closed, the government would ensure that public needs were met.
Traders’ associations of another 15 towns were to suspend operations from yesterday.
“Even if all retail shops are closed, we will keep Sathosa open. However, we won’t forcibly open any private shops that have been closed down,” the Trade Minister said.
Meanwhile, the Association of Medica Specialists President Dr. Lakkumar Fernando said that the decision to close shops voluntarily was a positive move given that COVID was spreading rapidly.
“The traders have taken this step realising that there is no other way to stop people coming into towns. I think this is a good example of civic-minded people taking action to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” he said. (RK)
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya yesterday sad that the Executive Presidency would be abolished, in line with the NPP’s election manifesto.
Speaking in Parliament, in response to a question raised under Standing Order 27/2 by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister said the abolition would take place through a proposed new Constitution.
She added that preliminary work on drafting the new Constitution had already begun, with previous committee reports and other proposals being studied to guide the process.
“A concept paper on the draft will be presented to the Cabinet,” Amarasuriya said, noting that a formal study has been initiated on abolishing the Executive Presidency.
She said that the move cannot be implemented without introducing a new Constitution.
Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday that the suspension of duties imposed on Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
Raising the issue during parliamentary proceedings, Premadasa, who is also the SJB Leader, questioned the decision to suspend the senior medical officer for issuing a statement to the media, particularly on matters relating to children’s medicines.
He said health was a fundamental right and noted that two children had reportedly died, stressing that the focus should be on accountability over the incident rather than penalising a medical professional for speaking out.
Premadasa criticised the authorities for suspending Dr. Bellana solely for communicating with the media, asking whether such action constituted justice for families who had lost their children.The Opposition Leader said silencing officials, who raise concerns, undermines fundamental rights and does not address the underlying issues related to patient safety and public health.
Acting Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital Dr. Rukshan Bellana has been suspended.
A letter, issued by the Ministry of Health, says preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Health has revealed that Dr. Bellana, as a government medical officer holding a responsible position, made statements to the media, without approval, in a manner that created a controversial situation in the country and unrest among the public.
The letter further stated that formal disciplinary action will be taken in due course regarding this matter.
PM says govt. will introduce a new Constitution to abolish executive presidency
Opposition Leader rises in defence of Dr. Bellana
Dr. Bellana suspended for speaking to media
257,000 households paid house cleaning grant of Rs 25,000 out of 493,000 eligible to receive it
Cops as whipping boys?
China pledges support as Lanka recovers from cyclone
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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