Switzerland funds installation of PCR testing facility at BIA

26 November 2020 02:28 pm - 7 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Government of Switzerland extending its support to Sri Lanka in addressing the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, has funded the installation of new, semi-automated Roche Diagnostics RT PCR-Testing machines at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Embassy of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives said.

Switzerland government also provided 39,000 COVID RT-PCR test kits.

This collaboration is a testimony to the excellent long term bi-lateral relationship as well as the ongoing Migration Partnership between Switzerland and Sri Lanka with the purpose of supporting the government’s efforts of safely repatriating migrant workers who are stranded overseas due to COVID -19.

This newly installed advanced equipment at the BIA is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka and significantly increases the testing capacity enabling 1,300 RT-PCR tests per day with a turnaround time of approximately three hours. Switzerland believes this arrangement would considerably contribute and facilitate the safe and speedy return of Sri Lankan migrant workers, the embassy said.

The One Million US Dollar project is implemented by the International Organization for Migration in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, the Airport and Aviation Services Limited and other relevant stakeholders.

Switzerland has also supported a number of other COVID 19 Emergency Response projects in Sri Lanka since March 2020.

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Comments - 7

Michael Ranasinghe Thursday, 26 November 2020 03:06 PM

While appreciating and commending this gesture these countries must understand how this pandemic is used by certain powerful people to make billions ..people of this Island must also learn a lesson the hard way

navaratne willamune Thursday, 26 November 2020 05:01 PM

yes must be careful with countries bearing gifts, must not forget what they did after elections. the best gift is to send back inspector silva who escaped to SW

Lion Thursday, 26 November 2020 04:46 PM

Earlier swiss embassy was interfering the internal affairs of the SL government when nisantha the police man was given the political refugee statues .now weerawansa may say the equipment they supply may have gadgets to spy on our country .

Tourist Thursday, 26 November 2020 05:27 PM

Perhaps they wish to start visiting SL.

Riyaz Thursday, 26 November 2020 07:48 PM

The present 14 day quarantine is ridiculous. Since Covid is all over Sri Lanka. We should do a 5 day quarantine and release on the 6th like what UK is doing. This will get tourism going as well as facilitating the arrival of migrant workers to SL.

Luwis Gabriel Thursday, 26 November 2020 08:15 PM

Any updates on commercial flight

Ranaweera Friday, 27 November 2020 05:12 AM

Take the gift man , what is the big issue.

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Switzerland funds installation of PCR testing facility at BIA

Comments - 7

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