Former Sri Lankan prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for special legislation to control the COVID 19 pandemic, suggesting opposition leaders should also be consulted by the government on the draft.

"The cabinet, headed by the president, should now prepare a draft with a set of common policies to control the pandemic,” he was quoted as saying by Daily Mirror.  He also asked the government to discuss this cabinet-led draft with non-government party leaders and the opposition in parliament and seek their views.  

It is important to discuss this with those in the medical field and the business community, he said, also asking opposition parties to put forward their suggestions. 

He further added, “The country will be able to submit a draft agreement that will be agreed upon by all within a month. Legislation to control pandemic can be approved in parliament then.”

To sustain the country’s economy and better management of the crisis, he urged the cabinet to bring the laws.  “Let us all work together to formulate a common policy. Then the noble goal of protecting Mother Sri Lanka will be fulfilled," he added.

Accusing the government of showing laxity in the vaccination program, Ranil said, it is only since the seventh month that the government started putting serious efforts into the vaccination drive. “This is a crime,” he said. 

Under the current situation, he said, the vaccination of all eligible Sri Lankans could only be possible by the end of the next year. 

(SAM)