• Around 24 MPs identified as first contacts of Hakeem and Nanayakkara
• PCR tests scheduled for all MPs this week
• Sittings to continue next week as scheduled

Water Supply Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara yesterday tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the number of MPs who have been infected with the with the virus upto three, Parliament sources said; amidst fears that several more would have contracted the illness during the past week’s parliamentary sittings.

Around 24 MPs have been identified as close contacts of MP Rauf Hakeem and Nanayakkara, who were in Parliament last week and interacted with the others, officials said. Minister Nanayakkara had been in Parliament all four sitting days last week, while the SJB MP had been there only one day.

Several members of the staff too were exposed, Parliament officials said.

SJB MP Gayantha Karunatillake, who was identified as first contact of MP Hakeem, tested negative, he said. The PCR tests results of others are being awaited.

PCR tested will be carried out on all MPs on 13 and 15 January, the Speaker’s office said yesterday.

Meanwhile, Secretary General Dhammika Dasanayake said parliament sittings scheduled for 19 January are expected to continue with adherence to health guidelines.

The Committee on Parliamentary Business is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, presided by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to decide on the business for next week.

State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera who tested positive for the coronavirus had not attended sittings this week.

Third MP tests positive for COVID-19 as fears grow more lawmakers may be infected