DGHS, Parliamentary officials discuss COVID-19 measures for future sittings

• Heath officials to visit Parliament to advice on health measures to be implemented inside Chamber
• New Parliament expected to meet soon after polls
• Parliament SG says all newly-elected MPs must be present on first day to elect a speaker and take oaths 
• Procedure for sittings can be decided by the House after first day

By Chandani Kirinde

Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe yesterday met with senior Parliamentary officials to discuss health safety measures to be put in place when the new Parliament meets after the 5 August polls.

After the meeting held with Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dassanayake, Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff Neil Iddawela and other officials at the Ministry of Health, it was decided to send a team of health officials to inspect the premises before preparing guidelines to be followed when the House is in session.

Even though no date has been fixed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the new Parliament to meet, it is likely the House will be convened soon after the conclusion of the General Election.

Dassanayake informed the DGHS that it is essential that all Members of Parliament (MPs) be present in the House on the first sitting day of the new Parliament as per the Standing Orders to elect the new Speaker and for them to be sworn in as MPs. Subsequently MPs can decide the manner in which future meetings of the House can be held in keeping with the safety regulations. 

Dassanayake informed the DGHS that all the activities were being carried out within the Parliament premises in accordance with all health measures, including social distancing, installation of hand washing facilities and body temperature checks, while conducting all meetings online, including staff awareness programs.

Dr. Jasinghe informed the Parliamentary officials that although the coronavirus was well under control in Sri Lanka, the risk of the virus spreading in the country remained as a result of the arrival of people from overseas, thus it was imperative to continue to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.

A team of health officials led by Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Lakshman Gamlath will visit the Parliamentary complex, committee rooms and catering division shortly to issue the relevant health advice.

COVID-19 Control Guideline booklets were also presented to Parliament on this occasion.