Omicron becoming dominant variant in SL: Dr. Jeewandara

In the wake of new detection of 160 more cases of Omicron where two out of three sub lineages were also identified, Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said the Omicron is becoming the dominant variant in Sri Lanka overtaking Delta variant.  

Dr. Jeewandara who is the Director of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine at Sri Jayewardenepura said three sub lineages of Omicron namely BA 1, BA.2 and BA.3 had been identified worldwide and added out of which two had been detected in the island.  

"According to the new detection, majority of cases have been reported from departure passengers who are from Colombo, Galle, Matara, Kandy, Gampaha and Trincomalee districts," he said.  

He stated said a few cases were also detected upon arrival while all departure passengers were vaccinated Sri Lankans who did not show symptoms.  

"Out of the total detection of 160 Omicron cases, 139 belong to BA.1 sub lineage while 27 cases belong to BA.2," he pointed out.  

Explaining the difference between BA.1 and BA.1, Dr. Jeewandara said BA.2 carries additional mutations compared to BA.1.  

"Scientists predict that BA.2 may be more resistant to vaccination and naturally acquired immunity. Thus, immune evasion is more prominent in BA.2," he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)