By Srian Obeyesekere
As the entire world has been literally brought to a grinding halt including all sports by the dreaded COVID 19 Corona pandemic, Sri Lanka’s cricketing fraternity of current and past players have through social media reached out to cricket fans and the general public at large urging them to adhere to the safety precautions stipulated by the health authorities in order to combat the spreading disease.
Throwing their weight behind the Government’s combined efforts to wipe out the monster disease out of Sri Lanka are former Sri Lanka captains Mahela Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews and current Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, Sanath Jayasuriya and several players who have tweeted messages to the public to adhere to warnings by staying indoors and not creating public gatherings which are means by which COVID 19 could be contracted.
Mahela Jayawardene’s message on Twitter on March 19 read, “What the government and the health authorities can possibly do is to control what they can. What we should do is to safely stay in our houses. This is a very dangerous situation. Therefore the general public please refrain from all types of social gatherings, picnics and other activities.” He also tweeted yesterday urging the public on the following don’ts thus: “Now don’t queue up to purchase goods, don’t flock in boutiques, in the least stand one meter away from each other! Defeat Corona!”
Angelo Mathews also tweeted on March 19 the following message alongside a ‘Fight COVID19’ picture to people: “A massive message. Friends, please kindly pay attention to the ‘don’t Do’ advises by the authorities. By doing so it is a huge support we will be giving the authorities.”
Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne, urged the public thus, “To all loved ones #COVID19 – All of us who travel out need to take care.Primarily being aware of taking the necessary sanitary precautions is a must for all that would be useful. Therefore always use sanitary soap and cleanse your hands. Protect yourselves and Stay safe.” Sri Laanka cricketer Thisara Perera tweeted the following warning yesterday,
“If you’re still going out to public places then you’re being irresponsible and selfish. Plz stay aware from public places. Keep a reasonable distance from others, wash your hands – a lot. And, don’t touch your face. You shouldn’t panic – just prepare.”
Kusal Mendis also reached out to the general public tweeting, “Keep your Hands clean.”
Niroshan Dickwella’s message read, “Together, we can “flatten the curve” by practicing social distancing, staying home when sick, and washing hands often. Stay safe Sri Lanka.”
