Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya Sajith Premadasa today condemned government’s moves to concentrate on parliamentary elections, instead of putting their attention on containing the coronavirus which is spreading.

Mr Premadasa told a news conference that despite the coronavirus starting to spread the government went ahead to dissolve Parliament and call for elections with the prime objective of trying to get a two thirds majority in Parliament.

He cited several international sporting events which have been called off in view of the corona virus situation.

“Even in Sri Lanka already schools have been closed and several other events have already been cancelled,” he said.

He said the trend of the virus spreading has shown an increase with the number of the confirmed coronavirus cases increasing to 18.

‘We can see the rush is to get the two thirds and not fighting the coronavirus”, he said.

“We are not scared of elections, but we have been forced to call off our rallies and meetings. How can you hold elections without a campaign”, he added.

‘How can you have a reasonable election without holding even pocket meetings”, he added.

He said there were defects in the quarantine programme.

“As a responsible government the government should cancel the dissolution of Parliament and after the coronavirus is contained go for any elections including the provincial elections,” he said.

“How can the people go and vote when the health authorities are telling people to take preventive measures,” he added.