Former Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan decided to contribute a sum of 5 Million Sri Lankan Rupees to the government to fight against the Coronavirus threat. The COVID-19 has spread shock waves across the globe and have many deaths. More than 8.8 lakh people have been affected by the virus while the overall death toll is increasing day by day.

The Sri Lankan government has announced a nationwide curfew and to help them in these desperate times, the cricketer has stepped in with some help from his side. The legendary spinner said that he understands that the government won’t be able to look at everything amidst the crisis which is already going on. He said he hopes that everyone will come and help the government in whatever way possible.

“At this hour, the government can not look at everything. So it is important that those who can like us help the government in whatever the way we can. I hope others too will support the government in their effort to fight this epidemic,” Muttiah Muralitharan said while speaking to The Island.

“Stay at home. Don’t panic”, urges Muttiah Muralitharan to public

He took this opportunity to urge people of Sri Lanka to stay at home and not panic. He also pointed out that the upcoming week will be crucial but all people will have to adjust. “I would like to urge cricket fans and all Sri Lankans to follow instructions given by authorities. The most important thing is to stay at home. Don’t panic. The next week or so is going to be crucial. There will be shortcomings but we have to adjust,” Murali further added.

Muttiah Muralitharan also praised the government along with doctors, military and other public workers who have done a great job in making sure that they can fight the pandemic properly. “I am proud of the way we have fought this crisis. The government, the doctors, the military and all public servants have done a remarkable job. Look at the way some of the developed countries struggling to fight this epidemic. We should all support them by being disciplined and staying at home,” Muralitharan added.

Apart from Murali, the likes of Suranga Lakmal, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Chaminda Vaas and Dhammika Prasad among others have also been helping the poor people during this time of crisis.