There is no risk of a new ‘COVID-19’ variant spreading in Sri Lanka, and the public should not be alarmed unnecessarily, said Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Dr Anil Jasinghe.

In a statement released based on data from the Epidemiology Unit, Dr Jasinghe acknowledged recent media reports highlighting a rise in COVID-19 cases in parts of Asia, but attributed this to varying factors, including inadequate disease management in some countries.

In response, the Ministry of Health has ramped up national-level preparedness and reinforced measures to safeguard the public health sector, the statement noted.

Sri Lanka’s ‘Integrated Respiratory Surveillance’ programme—responsible for testing clinical samples for COVID-19—remains fully operational in selected hospitals. According to this ongoing surveillance, no significant spike in local COVID-19 cases has been observed.

The ministry has also activated a laboratory surveillance system to detect and respond to any potential future epidemic developments within the country.

Dr Jasinghe emphasised that while periodic increases in respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19, are possible, the present risk to the public is low. He urged special attention be given to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic illnesses.

He also reiterated the continued importance of practising basic hygiene measures—such as frequent handwashing and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

To ensure readiness, hospitals across the island are equipped to respond to any emerging epidemic threats, the Health Secretary confirmed.

Dr Jasinghe urged the public to rely only on official updates, assuring that health authorities are maintaining vigilant oversight of the evolving COVID-19 landscape.