The United Kingdom has added Sri Lanka to the ‘Red List’ of destinations that require hotel quarantine on return to England.

Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya says that the country can be saved from this catastrophe if experts and authorities can work together in solidarity in the future.

The United National Party (UNP) has accused the government of attempting to use the ongoing COVID-19 enforced travel restrictions in the country to engage in business ventures related to state-owned assets calling it a threat to the sovereignty of parliament.

The vaccination programme currently underway in the Kandy District under the directions of Minister Keheliya Rambukwella does not conform to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation, it is learnt.

Highlighting that Sri Lanka is yet to pass any legislation to control the pandemic when other countries in the world have already formulated necessary laws and have enforced them, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the Cabinet, headed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, must prepare a draft law to control the pandemic and to sustain the country and the economy.

The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) stated that the strict travel restrictions currently imposed to control the spread of COVID-19 must continue despite the possible adverse impact it may have on the country’s economy.

Former Minister of National Integration and Official Languages Mano Ganesan says that if they are given an opportunity to govern the country for ten years, they will transform Sri Lanka into the most premier country in South Asia.

Tamil journalists who are still being subjected to various incidents of harassment by the authorities in the Mullaitivu district in the Northern Province have now been barred from travelling on official duties.

The United States Department of State has issued a travel advisory warning against travel to Sri Lanka due to COVID transmission concerns.

The role of the Army Commander should be confined to one which allows the health authorities to take the lead, SLPP MP Dilan Perera said.