After confirmation that Member of Parliament Rauf Hakeem and Kumarasiri Hettige, Prime Minister’s Coordinating Secretary for Political Affairs have contracted COVID-19 viral infection, the Parliament has identified the close contacts of the infected officials.

Serjeant-at-Arms of Parliament Narendra Fernando announced that the close contacts were identified from observing the CCTV footage from the time MP Rauff Hakeem arrived in parliament for the first session in the New Year on 5th January until he left the premises.

About fifteen Members of Parliament and several members of the staff are among the close contacts of MP Hakeem.

Serjeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando said necessary measures have been taken to inform those close contacts and relevant section heads.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SBJ) Parliamentarian and leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Rauff Hakeem has been diagnosed with COVID-19 coronavirus infection today.

Earlier, State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19, but he has not attended the parliament this year.

PM’s Coordinating Secretary Kumarasiri Hettige has come to Parliament on Friday the 8th and several staff members of the Office of the Leader of the House are his close associates. They have also informed as well, the parliamentary official said.

Steps have already been taken to disinfect the relevant areas

Serjeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando assured that however, there are no interruptions to the business of Parliament due to the situation and the duties will be maintained as usual.