Former Speaker WJM Lokubandara has tested positive for COVID19.

Lokubandara was first admitted to the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital and was later transferred to a leading private hospital for further treatment.

Born on August 05, 1941, Lokubandara is now 79 years old making him vulnerable to the dangers posed by the virus.

Lokubandara's son, Uditha Lokuandara, a former Parliamentarian, is a close ally of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Lokubandara is known to be a prominent Sinhala scholar and an author of several books.