Johnston urges trade union leaders not to ignite a fourth wave of coronavirus

Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando yesterday called on trade union leaders not to trigger the fourth wave of COVID-19 in the country.

Speaking at the launch of the programme to beautify 100 cities at Hiripitiya in Kurunegala, the Minister said: “We became internationally known for our successful battle against the first and second waves of the pandemic. The third wave is also being dealt with successfully, compared to many other countries in the region and elsewhere in the world. Now, the trade union leaders and their political masters are either intentionally or unintentionally trying to cause the fourth wave in this country through street protests. We request them to think of the country and act with restrain without endangering the lives of the public.

 People have a right to protest. We respect that right. We too can organise rallies and demonstrations in support of the government. If the Opposition brings 500 people we can bring 10 times more. But this is not a time to show one’s power by leading people to the streets. If there are issues the trade union leaders and their political masters should find better ways to bring them to our notice without putting the lives of their supporters in jeopardy. We tell Sajith Premadasa and Joseph Stalin not to endanger the lives of innocent people.

 The Opposition members are trying to tell us how to run the country Look at their sordid records. More people died on their watch due to dengue than the number of people who have died of COVID-19. Have they done anything that could be remembered by the people except the grand Treasury bond theft? We have not put on hold development projects even though there is a raging pandemic. As part of our development drive, Prime Minister Rajapaksa has launched this city beautification project. The project would develop 100 selected cities in the country simultaneously. Colombo was turned into the most beautiful capital among all south Asian countries, while incumbent President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the Defence Secretary fighting a war. The Opposition that came to power could not even maintain that status we achieved. They could not even dispose of the garbage in the city properly.”

The project was launched by Prime Minister Rajapaksa via zoom technology. Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa was also present.