PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS WILL CONTINUE DESPITE COVID-19 CASES

COLOMBO (News 1st): Parliamentary proceedings will continue as scheduled in accordance with the COVID-19 health and safety regulations as instructed by the health authorities, Dhammika Dasanayake, the Secretary-General of Parliament said. Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara, State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, and MP Rauf Hakeem have so far been confirmed positive for COVID-19. Every location at the parliamentary complex, visited by the trio was disinfected, Dhammika Dasanayake further added. All Members of Parliament were informed to undergo PCR tests, adding arrangements have been made to conduct PCR tests at the parliamentary complex, both tomorrow and on Friday (Jan. 15th), Parliament Sergeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando said. MPs, parliament staff, and members of the security forces can undergo PCR tests on the respective dates. At present, nearly 25 Parliamentarians have been directed to undergo quarantine following the detection of positive COVID-19 cases. The Committee on Parliamentary Business will convene on Wednesday (Jan. 13) to decide on future sittings.