Controversy over Harin undergoing PCR test amidst ‘Brandix eruption’

By Saman Indrajith

UNP MP Harin Fernando, on Wednesday (7) ,called for conducting PCR tests on all MPs to ensure that they did not have COVID-19.

He said so in his response to SLPP MP Premanath C. Dolawatte’s accusation that MP Fernando had deliberately puts others’ lives in danger by coming to Parliament.

MP Dolawatte said that MP Harin Fernando had put up a post in his twitter account that he underwent a PCR test Tuesday. “To undergo the PCR test, the MP should have felt some complications. Has he shown any symptoms of COVID-19? Please let us know the results of his test.”

Dolawatte:

MP Harin Fernando has a moral obligation to stay away from others after facing the PCR test. Instead, he came here. He should inform us of the results of the test.

Gampaha District SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna:

There is no police curfew in some areas in Gampaha District. So, people still move about freely. If the government declares curfew in remaining areas, then it would help contain the spread of the pandemic.

Anuradhapura District MP Prof Channa Jayasumana:

There have been several discussions on how curfew should be declared. Curfew is imposed on the basis of recommendations of health and security experts. On the other hand, there is fake news with regard to curfew and closure of some institutions.

There is another allegation by the opposition that the number of PCR tests being conducted was not sufficient. That is not true.

SJB MP Harin Fernando:

Number of PCR tests has been decreased. About 900 tests were done yesterday.  I got a PCR test done on me and I have tested negative. I can send him my report. What about the other MPs? The government has asked people to undergo PC tests. A government MP criticises me for following the government recommendation. Government MPs are afraid of facing the test. They too should also undergo that test. Private hospitals conduct PCR tests and charge Rs 6,000 each. One could get the services of private hospital staff members to visit his or her home and undergo the test at a cost of Rs 12,000.”