• Detection made from five samples taken in Dematagoda

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

The Delta (B.1.617.2/Indian variant) has been detected from the community for the first time in Sri Lanka, Director of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of Sri Jayawardenepura University Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said yesterday. 

The Indian variant was detected in five samples obtained from Aramaya Place in Dematagoda, Colombo 09. He said they had conducted 13 samples out of which five were Indian variants while other samples were B.1.1.7 (Alpha/UK variant). The Alpha variant was detected in Karapitiya, Batticaloa, Colombo 6, Colombo 8 and Colombo 10. 

The Indian variant was earlier detected on two occasions in Sri Lanka from quarantine centres.