The government of Sri Lanka has requested the increase of daily Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests by 1000 upon consultation with the university medical faculties. The PCR test is currently successfully being used for the detection of COVID-19.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa implemented the increment of tests during a discussion held today involving Health Sector heads, University Vice-Chancellors and Medical Faculty deans at Temple Trees to ensure the possibilities of conducting the tests at universities.
All state universities in the country are reported to have their own latest PCR equipment for teaching and laboratory research purposes.
The addition of the following state universities, Colombo University, Sri Jayawardenapura University, Peradeniya University, Kelaniya University and Batticaloa University medical faculties and Science Faculty laboratories will take place as soon as possible in coordination with the Higher Education, Technology and Innovation Ministry and Health Ministry.
Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Higher Education, Technology and Innovation Minister Bandula Gunawardene also stressed on the necessity to crank up the testing for COVID-19 in order to combat the virus more effectively.
