May 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has announced increased surveillance and preventative measures in response to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant that is beginning to spread in parts of the world, including neighbouring India.
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa stated that whilst the current domestic situation remains under control, authorities are taking no chances.
He confirmed that precautionary protocols are already being implemented, particularly at international entry points.
“Though we are not facing a critical threat at this moment, the relevant health and airport authorities have been instructed to remain on alert. Enhanced screening is in place at the country’s airports to help prevent any potential spread of this new variant,” he said.
Dr Jayatissa added that recent reports from India and Singapore have highlighted the growing concern around this latest mutation of the virus. In India, over a thousand cases linked to the new variant have been identified, with at least four associated fatalities reported.
These developments have raised alarms across South Asia, leading governments to intensify their monitoring efforts.
The minister emphasised that whilst there is no indication of a crisis on the scale of previous pandemic waves, early intervention and strict monitoring are vital to containing any future risk.
He also reassured the public that the Ministry of Health is in constant communication with international health bodies to remain updated on developments.
The re-emergence of the virus comes at a time when many countries have relaxed most of their pandemic-era restrictions. However, the rise of new subvariants has reminded regional authorities of the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 and the need for robust preparedness.
Sri Lanka, which was severely impacted by earlier waves of the pandemic, particularly in 2021, has since worked to improve its pandemic response infrastructure. The government has upgraded facilities at Bandaranaike International Airport to accommodate enhanced health checks, and hospitals across the island have been placed on standby should there be a sudden surge in cases.
Dr Jayatissa urged citizens to remain vigilant but not alarmed. “We are not returning to lockdowns or severe restrictions,” he clarified. “But we do encourage the public to remain cautious, particularly when travelling abroad, and to adhere to basic health practices such as hand hygiene and voluntary mask use in crowded areas.”
