May 29, Colombo (LNW): Amid growing international concerns over emerging COVID-19 subvariants, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health has assured the public that whilst there is no immediate cause for alarm, health officials remain vigilant and proactive in their response planning.
Health Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe acknowledged the recent global uptick in COVID-19 infections and stressed the importance of remaining prepared for any potential resurgence.
Speaking to the media, he confirmed that although the situation within the country remains stable for now, the possibility of new viral strains entering Sri Lanka cannot be entirely discounted.
To bolster the country’s readiness, the Ministry has decided to scale up the number of PCR tests carried out at key diagnostic facilities, including the Medical Research Institute in Colombo, the National Hospital in Kandy, and the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle. This move is aimed at enhancing early detection and tracking of any emerging variants.
Dr Jasinghe also revealed that health authorities recently held a high-level meeting involving epidemiologists and representatives from multiple health divisions. The focus of the discussion was to refine contingency strategies and reinforce institutional preparedness to counter future outbreaks more effectively.
He highlighted that two sub-lineages of the JN.1 COVID-19 variant—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—have been increasingly reported across several countries in Asia, including neighbouring India. These variants have been classified by the World Health Organization as “variants under monitoring”, indicating a need for continued observation and study due to their potential public health impact.
As part of precautionary measures, Dr Jasinghe urged the public to remain cautious. Individuals displaying symptoms such as fever, sore throat, persistent cough, or chills are advised to wear face masks in public spaces and limit contact with others, in line with standard health guidelines.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to taking evidence-based decisions as the situation evolves and encouraged citizens to stay informed through official updates whilst continuing to observe basic health and hygiene practices.
