More MPs are feared infected

By Norman Palihawadane

SLPP Kandy District MP Wasantha Yapa Bandara has tested positive for COVID-19.

Parliament sources said that after MP Bandara had been found positive for the disease, action was taken to scrutinise CCTV footage of Parliament to identify his close contacts. They said several more MPs could be infected as they had associated with their colleagues afflicted with COVID-19.

The MP attended parliament sessions on Jan 19 and visited the Parliament complex on Jan 21 as well.

Two MPs who were seen with Bandara have been asked to undergo self-quarantine.

Bandara is the sixth MP to test positive for the coronavirus.

Initially, MPs Dayasiri Jayasekara, Rauff Hakeem, and Vasudeva Nanayakkara tested positive for COVID-19.

Thereafter, State Minister Piyal Nishantha de Silva and Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi too contracted the virus.

MPs Jayasekara, Hakeem, and Nanayakkara were discharged after complete recovery.

State Minister de Silva and Health Minister Wanniarachchi are receiving treatment at a COVID treatment facility in Hikkaduwa at present.

Nearly 32 MPs have been subjected to PCR tests so far as a precautionary measure.

Over 1,400 persons, including MPs and parliamentary staff, had been subjected to PCR tests at the Parliamentary Complex so far and the entire parliamentary premises had been disinfected, Serjeant at Arms Narendra Fernando said.