PM urges citizens to act responsibly to overcome COVID-19 challenge

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa urged his fellow citizens to act responsibly and support government efforts in order to tackle the challenge of possible outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

Addressing the nation today, Premier Rajapaksa assured that whether it was in Sri Lanka or overseas, the government's attention to protect the life of every Sri Lankan was never diminished even for a moment. "We will take every possible action to protect them. It is because of this responsibility that we have completed plans to bring down the pilgrims who went to India,"

Noting that even during the time when government fought against the worst terroism in the world without feeling the need to impose a curfew throughout the country, Premier Rajapaksa added that "due to the irresponsible behaviour of a few, we have been forced to take this step today,"

Prime Minister Rajapaksa also stressed that the government has ensured that adequate stocks of essential foods and other goods are in custody and there is no need for people to worry about it. "We are also able to provide everything you need for your daily life. We have adequate stocks of food and drink, medicine, and fule for months. there is no need to have any doubt about this or panic in this regard,"

"At a time when the world is in a very difficult situation, I urge you to act with great restraint and with the future in mind. If you follow the advice of the doctors and the government, I am sure we can get rid of this epidemic very quickly," Premier Rajapaksa said.