News
Four Delta variant mutations found in WP
Researchers of the Sri Jayewardenepura University have found a Delta variant with four mutations in the Western Province. The discovery was made by researchers including Prof. Neelika Malavige and Dr. Chandima Jeewandara from the Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology Unit of the Department of Immunology Molecular and Molecular Medicine of the University.
The University has, in a media statement said: “Out of these four mutations, two mutations (A701S, R24C) found only in Sri Lanka and one mutation (A1078S) was present only in Malaysia and Sri Lanka, while the other mutation (A222V) is the common delta variant present in many other countries.
“Out of the 94 samples that were sequenced from the third week of August 2021, 91 samples had this delta variant [B.1.617.2 (delta)] which was identified from Colombo (CMC and various areas, Hanwella, Kaduwela), Nuwaraeliya (Bogawantalawa, Dikoya, Lindula), Embilipitiya, Matara (Dickwella), Gampaha (Ganemulla, Makola, Ragama, Veyangoda), Kegalle, Point Pedro, Puliyakulam and Vavuniya. Only 3 were alpha variant [B.1.1.7 (alpha)] identified from Anuradhapura, Bohawantalaka and Kandawalai. Therefore according to this report the major variant in western province in delta while it’s been rapidly spreading to other areas of Sri Lanka.
“The researchers observed that the frequency of the mutated delta appears to increase over the time, suggesting that it could be more transmissible than the original delta (delta without these four mutations). However more data is required for the researchers to conclude.
“While the vast majority of viruses have been sequenced in the Colombo district, sequencing has been carried out from many areas from all over Sri Lanka. According to the timeline of the emergence and displacement of different variants in Sri Lanka the earlier dominant alpha variant has now been displaced by delta variant which has become dominant towards the latter part of August.”
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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