Sri Lanka remains vigilant against Nipah virus amidst record tourist arrivals: Minister

Colombo, Feb. 11 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lankan government yesterday assured the public that health authorities are maintaining strict vigilance at entry points to prevent the entry of the Nipah virus, following reports of outbreaks and fatalities in neighbouring India and Bangladesh.

Addressing a media briefing, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that the Ministry of Health had turned its attention to the matter immediately after reports of the virus surfaced in India and deaths were recorded in Bangladesh.

Responding to concerns about whether specific quarantine or detection mechanisms are in place at the airport—especially given the ongoing ICC T20 Cricket World Cup which attracts a large number of foreign visitors, the Minister said that authorities are already monitoring all passengers arriving in the country.

"Even before the recent death was reported in Bangladesh, we had already commenced necessary monitoring activities at the airport regarding all incoming tourists," Minister Jayatissa said.

He acknowledged the high fatality rate associated with the Nipah virus, noting that it presents a different challenge compared to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he assured that the health sector is operating with full awareness and is ready to take all necessary precautions.

The Minister emphasized the importance of these measures given the current boom in tourism. He revealed that in the first four days of this month alone, over 40,000 tourists had arrived in the island. Furthermore, January 2026 recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals for that month in history, with 277,000 visitors.

"With the increase in tourist arrivals, we are extremely watchful. The Ministry of Health is fully prepared to take necessary actions," the Minister added.