Communist Party of Sri Lanka
Role of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka under the conditions of COVID – 19 and economic crisis. Dr. G. Weerasinghe,
The global corona virus pandemic was thrust upon 129 Sri Lanka towards the end of January 2020. The on-going economic crisis, brought about by the previous neo-liberal pro-imperialist regime got escalated and further deepened. The lock-down took place in March and the pending General elections had to be postponed twice. The new President GotabhayaRajapakse swiftly established a Presidential Task Force, consisting of professionals in the field of Medicine, Security Forces and officials of the Public Health Services in order to combat the virus.The people responded to the call of the new President extending full co-operation. Sri Lanka was blessed with a sound and effective
General Secretary Public Health system, both curative and preventive, with field officers throughout the country. This public health system was brought about in the pre-independent period by the struggle of the Sri Lankan Left movement.The Government was in a position to implement effectively and efficiently the recommendations made by the World Health Organization (WHO) to bring the situation under control.Over 95% of the infections were imported, leaving an insignificant number of locally transmitted infections of nearly 3,500 infections and there were only 13 deaths. It should be emphasized in this connection that the free education together with free health services were instrumental to establish an effective Public Health system in Sri Lanka. Attempts by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund with Washington Consensus were resisted by the working class under the leadership of Left Movement, thereby protecting the Public Health system. Neo – liberalist moves to restrict free education and free health services were thwarted. It was precisely why Sri Lanka’s performance in controlling COVID – 19 was globally acknowledged and highly evaluated. During the period of lock-down, steps were taken to ensure the supply of essential food and basic necessities to the people un-interruptedly. Having brought the situation under control, the Government took the initiative to revive and restore the economy. Financial assistance to the informal economy was assured despite strain on the treasury. The Communist Party of Sri Lanka as a partner in the current ruling alliance, together with other Left, radical and democratic forces ensured relief measures to the people. The private sector was not allowed to resort to lay off of workers or reduction of wages. The public service which accounts for 14% of the work force was not in any way affected by economic
