19 Members of Parliament were vaccinated with Oxford Astra-Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine at the Army Hospital today.
Three Parliamentarians have so far refused to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
MPs Harin Fernando, Manusha Nanayakkara, and Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage opted out from receiving the vaccination.
All Parliamentarians have been included in the vulnerable groups category and have been informed to receive the vaccination.
Commenting on his decision, Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said he had taken a personal decision to refrain from receiving the vaccine, in order to provide an opportunity for an individual from the vulnerable groups identified from among the public to be vaccinated.
He further said despite politicians interacting more with the public, it was only fair to grant that opportunity to someone from the public.
Earlier today, Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Harin Fernando announcing his decision via Twitter said that he will not receive the vaccine until 1 million people from among the public have been vaccinated. (NewsWire)