The Sri Lankan Government has intensified its testing and surveillance operations in response to rising global alarm over a newly emerging COVID-19 variant. The Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing has been significantly increased in selected hospitals, particularly in urban centres and areas considered to be at high risk.
Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe stated that all government hospitals across the country have been instructed to enhance monitoring of patients who exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and other respiratory issues. He emphasized the importance of early detection and swift isolation of suspected cases to prevent any potential community spread. While confirming that the current situation in Sri Lanka remains under control, Dr. Jasinghe stressed that heightened vigilance is essential. He assured the public there is no immediate cause for panic but urged citizens to remain cautious and to continue following established health guidelines, including wearing masks in crowded spaces and practicing good hygiene.
The new COVID-19 variant, which is believed to have a higher rate of transmission, is currently being studied by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health bodies. Although no cases linked to the new variant have been officially detected in Sri Lanka, health authorities are preparing for all scenarios. Hospitals in districts such as Colombo, Gampaha, and Kandy have already strengthened their preparedness by stockpiling personal protective equipment, boosting laboratory capacity, and ensuring rapid turnaround times for test results. Additionally, the Health Ministry is collaborating with the Epidemiology Unit to expand genomic sequencing, which will help identify if the new variant has entered the country.
Officials continue to reiterate the need for public cooperation, stressing that a proactive approach combined with public awareness will be critical in managing any future risks associated with this evolving global situation.
