Cross-party youth political initiative NextGenSL requested all political parties to refrain from holding mass political rallies to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka.

Issuing a statement, its co-conveners Rasika Jayakody and Milinda Rajapakshe said such large gathering might pose a severe public health risk.

The full statement is as follows, "Sri Lanka is currently experiencing an unprecedented healthcare emergency due to COVID-19 — a global pandemic that has gripped over 100 countries across the globe.

Healthcare experts have constantly advised the public to stay away from public gatherings to limit the spread of the virus. As a result, the government has decided to close down schools and universities while advising the public to avoid non-essential travel.

With the Parliamentary election slated for April 25, all political parties have already organized political rallies to mobilize their supporters before the polls. However, we note with concern that such large gatherings will pose a severe risk, given the nature of the current pandemic.

Hence, we, #NextGenSL—a cross-party youth political initiative—request all political parties to consider not holding large political rallies and gatherings at least for the next two weeks to ensure the safely of the public. As responsible political parties, we must place the safety and well being of the public above the interests of our respective political campaigns."