15 MPs associated with Rauff Hakeem to undergo PCR tests

11 January 2021 12:00 am

•  MP Harin Fernando said Mr. Hakeem did not participate in the SJB parliamentary group meeting last week
• Among the MPs identified as close contacts are  Gayantha Karunathilake, Thalatha Athukorala, M.A. Sumanthiran, S Rasamanikyam, Faisal Cassim, MM Haris, M.S. Thowfeek and  Naseer Ahamed

By Yohan Perera 

Fifteen MPs associated with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress ( SLMC) Leader Rauff Hakeem who was tested COVID-19 positive will be made to undergo PCR tests, Parliament sources said yesterday. 

Sources said CCTV footage in Parliament had revealed that Mr. Hakeem had closely associated with 15 MPs.

Sergeant-at-arms Narendra Fernando confirmed that tracking was done on MP Hakeem's movements. " Mr Hakeem had come to Parliament only on Tuesday January 5 according to him. He said it was found out that around 15 MPs were found to have associated with Mr. Hakeem.

"I have tested positive for COVID-19 today and will be entered into a quarantine facility. I request those who came into contact with me in the last 10 days to take necessary health and safety precautions," Mr. Hakeem said in his Twitter message earlier. 

Among the MPs identified as close contacts are  Gayantha Karunathilake, Thalatha Athukorala, M.A. Sumanthiran, S Rasamanikyam, Faisal Cassim, MM Haris, M.S. Thowfeek,and  Naseer Ahamed

Meanwhile MP Harin Fernando said Mr. Hakeem did not participate in the SJB parliamentary group meeting last week.