No structure for democratic decision making in Cabinet: Patali

COLOMBO (News 1st): Samagi Jana Balawega MP Patali Champika Ranawaka says that results cannot be expected as the country has not been closed down in a scientific manner.

Commenting on imposition of the lockdown curfew, the MP said that this was not a proper lockdown used to control the spread of COVID-19.

“The country is not in a proper lockdown. This cannot control the spread of the disease properly. The country is not in any way closed by formal scientific means. Therefore, we cannot expect results from this. ” the MP said.

Meanwhile, Champika added in response to SLPP General Secretary Sagala Kariyawasam, that MPs who have been given the mandate should have strength to express their views on the lockdown.

He further added that the fact that they did not express their views inside the Cabinet but outside, indicates that they are afraid to speak in such a manner or that there is no structure for democratic decision making based on different views.

" There is some truth in what Sagala Kariyawasam said because when the Cabinet meets, the Ministers who have been given the mandate should have the relevant  strength to express their views on the lockdown at least via their zoom meeting. That is the collective responsibility of the Cabinet. Expressing other views without commenting at the meeting itself shows that they are either afraid to speak in the Cabinet, or that there is no structure for democratic decision making after speaking in the Cabinet. ” the MP added.