UNP wants Govt. to hold inquiry into allegedly COVID-19 positive reporter

• Govt. Info. Dept. asks reporters who attended weekly Cabinet briefing to self-quarantine 

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday requested the Government to hold an immediate inquiry into the allegations that a journalist from ITN, who has tested positive for COVID-19, had attended several press conferences while awaiting the results of his PCR test.

It has come to the attention of the party that this particular journalist, along with several of his colleagues, were administered PCR tests on last Monday (12 October). While awaiting the results of these tests, this journalist was sent on coverage by the State-run television service to several press conferences, including the UNP press conference on Wednesday (14 October) and the Cabinet briefing on Tuesday (13 October),” the statement said. 

The Government Information Department on Friday instructed all reporters who had been present at the Cabinet briefing to self-quarantine while the health authorities decide what steps to take regarding the reporters. They have also shared the contact details of the reporters with the Health Ministry as a precautionary measure. The Department, issuing a statement, said the results of the PCR test administered to the ITN employee is yet to be released.  “Sri Lanka is facing a second wave of COVID-19. The decision by State officials to permit a Government employee to travel amongst the public while awaiting the results of a PCR test is highly irresponsible. We urge the relevant authorities to take necessary disciplinary action against those responsible for this lapse. It is the duty of the Government to ensure the health and safety of the public.”