Virus spreading in SL not Indian variant, initial study reveals

There is no conclusive evidence so far to say that the Indian variant is spreading in Sri Lanka, the Director of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of Sri Jayewardenepura University Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said.

He said they would conduct whole-genome sequencing next week, which would determine exactly on the change of the virus being spread in the country.

"There is a possibility of the virus being spread in India entering Sri Lanka. However, the health authorities have taken all precautionary measures to curtail such possibilities," he said.

Moreover, Dr Jeewandara said the fundamental findings had shown that the virus being spread in the country had been subjected to a mutation and could even be a new variant.

“We have observed a mutation in the samples obtained from Colombo, Kurunegala and Kandy after the festive season,” he pointed out.

Dr Jeewandara said the further spread of the virus could be prevented if people strictly follow health guidelines.

“The virus currently being spread in Sri Lanka seemed to be rapidly spreading and highly transmissible. Thus, we advise people to maintain two-metre distance until it is determined by proper research,” he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)