News
Research finds that total antibodies of those inoculated with Sinopharm declined after 12 weeks from 2nd dose
However memory T-cell and B-cell responses persisted
A study conducted by Sri Jayewardenepura University researchers found that while the SARS-CoV-2 specific total antibodies of those inoculated with Sinopharm declined after 12 weeks from the second dose, the memory T cell and B cell responses persisted.
Given below is the press release issued by the University pertaining to the study: “The Sinopharm is an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, which is currently given emergency use authorization by the WHO and is the main vaccine used in many Asian and Middle East Countries. A new study was carried out to determine the kinetics and persistence of immune responses following the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV, by investigating the immune responses in a cohort of Sri Lankan individuals.
“Antibody responses declined in all age groups, especially in those who are more than 60 years after 12 weeks from the second dose, while T cell responses persisted.” Said Prof. Neelika Malavige, Head, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
“USJ researchers including Prof. Neelika Malavige and Dr. Chandima Jeewandara from Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of the University have been studying immune responses to different types of COVID-19 vaccines used in Sri Lanka.
“Results of the current research show that while the SARS-CoV-2 specific total antibodies, and especially neutralizing antibodies and antibodies to the receptor binding domain significantly declined, the memory T cell and B cell responses persisted.
“Since the ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies (neutralizing antibodies that associate with protection) was shown to significantly decline in all age groups and especially in the elderly, it is important to carry out long term efficacy studies to assess the waning of immunity on hospitalization and severe disease in order to decide on booster doses in different populations.” said Prof. Malavige.”
Latest News
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.
In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused a significant rise in the water level of the Mahaweli River, washed large quantities of debris, including logs and bamboo, downstream. These remain lodged in the Diyakapanathota in Gatambe, Peradeniya and Lewella bridges, obstructing the smooth flow of water.
Acting promptly upon request, a Navy diving team executed a coordinated operation in collaboration with the Road Development Authority. The team removed the accumulated debris, restoring normal water flow through the bridges.
Latest News
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
Navy clears major bridge obstructions in Peradeniya and Lewella
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
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PM says govt. will introduce a new Constitution to abolish executive presidency
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