Are Fitness Centres more important than COVID prevention? Sajith raises concerns

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa called on the government to allocate the sum of Rs. 625 Mn set aside for the construction of Exercise and Fitness Centres, for COVID-19 prevention.

"The Exercise and Fitness Centres is a good initiative. However, the need of the hour is to combat the spread of COVID-19," he said adding the funds should be used to procure ICU beds, Oxygen Cylinders, Ventilators, and Life Saving equipment as well as to set up field hospitals. Sajith Premadasa suggested that the Exercise and Fitness Centres project be launched after Sri Lanka manages to control the spread of COVID-19. Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa told the Parliament that the funds set aside for the Exercise and Fitness Centres project were not from the COVID-19 Fund or any fund set up to combat COVID-19. "This is a project that is in accordance with the budget presented by the government," said Rajapaksa. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa requested President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to allocate the $ 50 Mn set aside for upgrading Kfir Fighter jets, for COVID-19 prevention. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited parliament to witness the debate taking place on the present situation in the country. "There is no issue with respect to national security. The aircraft need to be upgraded. However, it is wise to allocate those funds for COVID prevention and the aircraft upgrades can come later," said the opposition leader.