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EC proceeding with polls plans despite mounting coronavirus cases
With the coronavirus pandemic turning out to be the worst international health crisis in more than 100 years, a Sri Lankan health worker wearing protective gear is seen disinfecting a house visited by a victim. Pic by Amila Gamage
The Election Commission together with health authorities may impose a string of preventive measures during the parliamentary elections campaign that will begin at noon on Thursday.
The move is aimed at minimising any possible spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Though no specific steps are yet to be taken, the EC will hold a meeting with health authorities tomorrow. Though a scheduled event, it has grown in significance with the detection of more coronavirus cases, Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Rathnayake told the Sunday Times yesterday.
His comments came as those affected by the virus reached 10 yesterday. The latest cases were a 56-year-old woman who had returned from Italy on March 7 and a female relative of a previously diagnosed patient. While a string of preventive measures is on the EC’s drawing boards, it is going ahead with arrangements for parliamentary elections on April 25. After consultations with the health authorities, Mr Ratnayake said the EC might issue guidelines to all political parties and they, in turn, would be expected to brief their candidates.
Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi has declared that the government will ban mass gatherings for two weeks. She told a media briefing that this would include large political rallies. Smaller group meetings, she said, could be held.
The NEC is also in touch with district secretaries with regard to the measures it wants to introduce.
With nominations set to conclude at noon on Thursday, district secretaries are taking stringent safety precautions to ensure that large crowds of supporters do not congregate anywhere.
Galle District Secretary Somarathna Vidanapathirana said he had discussions with the Police to prevent extra crowds gathering this time.
| Monday declared a holiday; police ban on large gatheringsThe Government has declared Monday a public, bank and mercantile holiday, Public Administration Ministry Secretary S. Hettiarachachi said last night. He said the decision had been taken to facilitate the ongoing quarantine process. Meanwhile, as part of stringent measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the country, the police last night announced an indefinite ban on public and private functions which draw large crowds. Accordingly, all public and private meetings and functions where large crowds are in attendance have been banned with immediate effect until further notice. The Acting Inspector General of Police has instructed all police stations to brief the public on the new measures via loudspeakers. Meanwhile, police also warned that the law would be strictly enforced on those who act in violation of quarantine regulations imposed under the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance of 1897. Accordingly, police are empowered to arrest without a warrant any person who flouts quarantine regulations. Violators could be held in remand custody without bail, the statement warned. | |