PCR tests on MPs, Parliament staff and Forces

Nearly 463 PCR tests were carried out on MPs and staff members including the Police and STF personnel of Parliament yesterday (13) at the Parliament complex, following three MPs being tested positive for COVID-19 recently.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and 15 Government and Opposition MPs volunteered to undergo PCR tests.  The Next PCR testing would be on 17 January. 

Ministers Dayasiri Jayasekara, Vasudeva Nanayakkara and MP Rauff Hakeem were tested positive for COVID-19 while 31 MPs were identified as primary contacts. 

Meanwhile, Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake said the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business scheduled for yesterday (13) was rescheduled for next Monday (18) following instructions of the Speaker.

The committee would discuss as to how the next Parliamentary Sitting on 19 January should be held.  The Speaker earlier said Parliamentary proceedings would not be suspended due to MPs being infected with COVID-19.