Parliamentarians should follow health guidelines: Speaker

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday emphasised the need for all Parliamentarians to comply with health guidelines given the COVID-19 pandemic prevailing in the country.  
He stated the above while making an announcement at the commencement of the parliament session yesterday.   

Accordingly, the Speaker urged the Members of Parliament to strictly adhere to the health guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health in the parliament premises as well as while engaging in their day-to-day duties outside the premises.   

He also requested all Ministers and Members of Parliament to refrain from inviting guests to Parliament and to summon only essential public officials to Parliament in accordance with the relevant health care guidelines.  

In addition, the Speaker said “It is imperative that all those who enter the Parliament, including Parliamentary staff, ancillary services staff, Parliamentary journalists, suppliers and service providers, and security personnel, to ensure that they abide by the health care guidelines” the Speaker said.