Coronavirus UK variant B117 is the currently circulating strain in Sri Lanka, the University of Sri Jayawardenapura, Sri Lanka, confirmed a short while ago.

Dr. Chandima Jeewandara of the Sri J'Pura University said this was confirmed after examing virus samples extracted from newly-infected people in Sri Lanka.

The UK B 117 variant is considered to have a higher rate of transmission and more severe symptoms.

The government, however, is yet to announce plans for a wider lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.