• Move follows MP Rauff Hakeem, PM Coordinating Secy. testing positive for COVID-19
• Both had been in Parliament last week
• At least 15 MPs identified as first contacts of Hakeem and asked to self-isolate until they are tested
• No interruption to Parliament work, says Serjeant-at-Arms

 By Chandani Kirinde 

 At least 15 MPs will be among those subjected to PCR tests today after SLMC MP Rauff Hakeem and the Coordinating Secretary (Political Affairs) Kumarasiri Hettige tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend.

The MPs have been asked to self-quarantine till they are tested for the virus, Serjeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando said.

Hakeem, who had been in Parliament last Tuesday (5 January), confirmed he had tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday while Parliament officials said Hettige, who had come to Parliament on Friday, had also contracted the virus.

Fernando said that they had checked CCTV footage to trace the first contacts of the infected MP and the official, and at least 15 MPs have been identified as having had close contact with Hakeem.

Several members of the Parliament staff, too, have been identified as having been in contact with them and they, too, would be tested, Fernando said.

State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera confirmed he had tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, but he had not attended Parliament sessions that week.

The Serjeant-at-Arms said Parliament work would continue uninterrupted despite the detection of the COVID-19 cases.

The next Parliament sitting is scheduled for 19 January.

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