'Don't criticize Army vaccination drive' - Commander responds to Ranil

COLOMBO (News 1st); The former Prime Minister has no right to criticize the COVID-19 task force, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said at an occasion held at the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic on Sunday  (08). The former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe criticized the task force installed for curbing the virus and the involvement of the Tri-forces in the vaccination process. He alleged that the COVID-19 task force which was implemented to oversee and curb the spread of the disease should be dissolved. Army Commander Shavendra Silva said that many have expressed appreciation for the efficient management of the vaccination process by the Tri-forces. "What people should know is that while the former Prime Minister is criticizing the Tri-forces involvement in the vaccination process, he himself obtained his own vaccine from the Army medical personnel at Narahenpita. "If he obtained his vaccine from an Army vaccination center, the decision whether or not he has rights to criticize the tri-forces for doing their job belongs to the public," the Army Commander said, responding to the sentiments expressed by the former Prime Minister He further stated that the public should be very careful about the current COVID-19 situation and that this wave of COVID-19 has proven to be more severe than any other previous wave of COVID-19. "We are doing what is the best for the entire country. It is important not to misuse the chance given to travel through Provincial borders. We cannot just rely on the implementation of regulations because people also have a major responsibility." "Out of the 96 infected persons who died yesterday, 76 were over 60 years of age. And a majority of that is unvaccinated persons. We have informed all those who are possible to obtain their vaccines as soon as possible. " He added.