Parliament Proceedings to continue in accordance with health guidelines

All  places where the COVID-19 infected MPs were staying had been disinfected by now

• The Committee on Parliamentary Business is scheduled to meet on the 13th January at 2.00 pm 
• There is no move to suspend the sittings
• random PCR tests are being conducted for the parliamentary staff members

By Yohan Perera   

Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake yesterday stated that the Proceedings of Parliament will continue in accordance with health guidelines given by the health authorities, despite three Members of Parliament being infected with COVID-19 virus.  

Mr. Dasanayake said that discussions had been held with the health authorities regarding the situation and that all the places where the COVID-19 infected MPs were staying had been disinfected by now.  

Mr. Dasanayake noted that random PCR tests are being conducted for the parliamentary staff members and also said that arrangements have been made with health officials to conduct PCR tests for staff members at the Parliament complex in the next few days. Mr. Dasanayake said that the staff members are performing their duties in accordance with health regulations.  

“The Committee on Parliamentary Business is scheduled to meet on the 13th January at 2.00 pm under the chairmanship of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to decide proceedings of the next sittings of Parliament. This meeting is more or less aimed at deciding on the business of the House. There is no move to suspend the sittings,” he said.  

Mr. Dasanayake further stated that the staff of the Secretary General is ready to continue with the proceedings of Parliament in accordance with the decisions taken by the Speaker and the party leaders.