Six different COVID-19 variants detected in Sri Lanka

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Six COVID-19 variants have been identified from the samples from across the country till  April 30, according to Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, Director of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, University of Jayewardenepura.

According to Dr. Jeewandara the UK variant (B.1.1.7) was found in the following areas. Colombo District: Colombo Municipal Council (CMC); Homagama, Boralesgamuwa, Kurunegala District: Polpithigama, Kuliyapitiya, Nikaweratiya, Ganewatta, Ambalanpola, Giriulla, Pannala, Wariyapola; Kalutara district: Agalawatte, Pimbura, Panadura, Palindaruwa, Bandaragama; Kandy district: Panduwasnuwara, Kandy, Hingurakgoda;

Polonnaruwa district: Medirigiriya and Mannar district: Mannar town.

Denmark/European/Middle East variant has been found in Jaffna, especially

in the Nallur cluster. Sri Lankan variant (B.1.411) has been found in Batticaloa and Colombo. Nigerian variant ( B.1.525) has been found in Bandaragama and Colombo. Indian variant (B.1.617) and South African variant (B.1.351) has been found at Nawaloka Hospital.