Business
LOLC Advanced Technologies launches RT-LAMP Test Kit for COVID-19 Detection for the first time in Sri Lanka
COVID-19, the novel coronavirus infection, which began in Hubei Province, China in December 2019 transformed to an unprecedented worldwide crisis in great speed. The pandemic caused snap lockdowns, social distancing and an alarming number of loss of human lives across the world – all this, resulted in grave humanitarian and economic loss, globally. In Sri Lanka, the pandemic has claimed over 14,000 lives already. Ever since the first case was detected in early 2020, Sri Lanka experienced several lockdowns and travel restrictions which caused most economic activities in the country to come to a standstill.
Across the world, the outbreak of COVID-19 also spurred widespread scientific research from prevention, cure to detection. LOLC Advanced Technologies collaborated with the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) through Ceylon Nano Diagnostics Pvt Ltd. (CNDL) to introduce the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for the first time in Sri Lanka to curb the limitations of the standard coronavirus detection method approved by the World Health Organization which is RT-qPCR method. This novel process is similar to the conventional PCR tests, with the exception that the nucleic acid amplification occurs at one temperature. As a result, certain mandatory equipment for PCR such as a thermal cycler is not required. This method of detection being quicker, easier to use, and more cost effective than RT-qPCR tests in terms of diagnosis, has many advantages such as wide pH and temperature ranges that are acceptable, the ability of the assay to accept non-processed samples, and the flexibility of the readout methods, all the while maintaining specificity and sensitivity that is about equal to that of the PCR tests.
Ceylon Nano Diagnostics Pvt Ltd. is a Joint Venture (JV) company established to produce RT-LAMP kits and other research and development initiatives related to the molecular diagnostics field. LOLC Advanced Technologies is the management entity for CNDL on behalf of Browns Pharma Limited’s shareholding of 50% while SLINTEC bears the balance 50% shareholding.
SLINTEC has successfully demonstrated the use of RT-LAMP as a robust method for SARS-CoV-2 detection in clinical specimens in Sri Lanka. Even though, several detection methods are available in the LAMP assay, SLINTEC has developed the RT-LAMP kit with the fluorescence detection which is the most sensitive method that can be performed using RT-PCR machine which is currently used for detection of COVID-19. After demonstrating the proof of concept, the SLINTEC RT-LAMP assay was validated against the existing RT-qPCR test at Sri Jayewardenepura University (SJP), by analyzing RNA extracted from more than 200 patient specimens supplied by SJP. This was followed by analyzing virus samples isolated from positive patients supplied by National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH) using RT-qPCR available at SJP. Subsequently, the SLINTEC RT-LAMP kit was validated independently by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) at three different laboratories (Infectious Diseases Hospital, Karapitiya Teaching Hospital and Medical Research Institute) for its performance. Having carried out a GMP compliance audit, the NMRA has also given the green light to manufacture the product at the CNDL production facility. In addition, the Ministry of Health has given their consent to use the LAMP technique in Sri Lanka. After a stringent compliance audit, the manufacturing facility was awarded the GMP Certificate to commence manufacturing and finally the product obtained the NMRA approval for commercial use in the Sri Lankan molecular diagnostics market. Although RT-LAMP is new to Sri Lanka, it is currently being used in several other countries including USA and UK.
Commenting about the collaboration, LOLC Group, Deputy Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara said, “At LOLC, our increasing investments in science, research and technology derives from our passion and thirst for knowledge and scientific innovation which is centered on local value addition. I am pleased to note that this collaboration has done just that and especially at a crucial stage of an evolving pandemic. As a Group, we are committed to continue to work and invest in such value additions whilst providing local scientists and researchers the opportunity and platform to explore and make use of their skills and knowledge”.
LOLC Advanced Technologies (Pvt) Ltd. is the research arm of the LOLC Group. The company provides advanced technological consultation support to companies under the LOLC umbrella in the fields of precision agriculture, process improvements for cinnamon agronomy and value addition, new product development in plant nutrition and agro-chemistry. LOLC Advanced Technologies was set up to explore sustainable business opportunities in the market with augmentation of Science and Technology. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of LOLC Holdings PLC.
To capitalize on the marketing, distribution, technical and application services in the market, CNDL entered into an agreement with Avon Pharmo Chem (Pvt) Ltd., a long-standing leader in the molecular diagnostics market in Sri Lanka.
Dilip K. Fernando, CEO of Avon Pharmo Chem Pvt Ltd said, “Avon possesses the country’s best application, technical team and marketing processes in serving the biotechnology and molecular diagnostics laboratories. We are confident that the COVID 19 test kit produced in Sri Lanka can be instrumental in resolving the challenges faced by the country right now. As we have already received a better response from the private sector COVID-19 testing laboratories, we are fully engaged in training laboratory staff for adopting the technology faster so that all the laboratories can use the kit soon.”
Commenting, Dr. Naresh Handagama, CEO of SLINTEC said, “The COVID 19 test kit developed by the scientists at SLINTEC according to industry best practices, compliance and protocols, has been commercially launched for the Sri Lankan molecular diagnostics market. This is the first of its kind in our history that a test kit of this kind has been able to successfully pass the hurdles of very stringent GMP and NMRA standards certificates together with a series of other validations and trials in many laboratories. When COVID hit our country, many industry leaders engaged in various activities to support the government’s battle in combating the COVID 19 challenge. But, LOLC looked for sustainable ways of facing this issue by investing in science and technology expertise and infrastructure. When SLINTEC announced their engagement in test kit development, LOLC leveraged the idea that could support for future developments as well. This initiative is of great national importance as we are now able to produce this test kit locally and save the outflow of foreign currency from our country whilst better serving the nation with improved performance”.
Senior business leaders, economists and international development experts, alongside the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, will headline the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12 and 13 October at the Shangri-La Colombo.
The Summit will open with a keynote address by T. Krishnakumar, Chief Executive Officer, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd, who brings more than four decades of experience in the consumer brands and FMCG sectors. Having previously served as President of Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, with extensive experience in building businesses and driving growth across emerging markets, Krishnakumar, more popularly known as Kk, now leads Reliance Consumer Products as it expands across categories and builds new customer, partnership and market opportunities.
Day 2 will bring together four international perspectives across discussions on economic resilience, regional connectivity, sector growth and digital transformation.
Lilia Aleksanyan, Senior Country Economist for Sri Lanka at the Asian Development Bank, will open the day’s discussions with a focus on Sri Lanka’s economic resilience. Her work covers the country’s macroeconomic outlook, policy advice and macro-fiscal and financial-sector reform. Her international policy experience also includes roles at the French Ministry of Finance and the French Central Bank.
The Summit will then turn to Sri Lanka’s connections with regional markets, with P. D. Singh, Chief Executive Officer, India & South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, delivering the keynote for the session on trade corridors and value chains. Singh counts close to three decades of experience in banking and finance, with senior leadership roles spanning Standard Chartered, JPMorgan Chase Bank and HSBC.
The Sector Deep Dives will bring international perspectives to discussions on healthcare and energy.
Tushar Shroff, Chief Financial Officer, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd, will deliver the keynote for the healthcare discussion, drawing on more than three decades of experience in corporate finance, strategic investment and financial transformation. His career spans senior finance and leadership roles with ABB, Piramal Healthcare, Intas Pharmaceuticals and Vedanta Group, giving him a broad perspective on the business and investment decisions shaping the healthcare sector.
For the energy-focused deep dive, Edore Onomakpome, Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal at the International Finance Corporation, will bring extensive experience in infrastructure investment and project finance across emerging markets. Since joining IFC in 2013, she has held senior roles across Africa and South Asia, including managing IFC’s infrastructure portfolio across 16 countries.
The Summit will conclude its keynote programme with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who will deliver the keynote for “Nation Building in the Digital Age.” The Prime Minister also oversees the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, bringing a direct policy perspective to discussions on digital transformation, innovation, education and the skills needed for a changing economy.
Together, these perspectives will bring regional, international and policy insight to SLEIS 2026 as Sri Lanka considers how to strengthen economic resilience, attract investment, deepen regional connections and develop new sources of growth.
Held under the theme “Positioning Sri Lanka in a Changing Global Economy: Resilience, Reform, and the Future of Economic Policy,” SLEIS 2026 will take place on 12 and 13 October 2026 at the Shangri-La Colombo.
The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Microsoft Sri Lanka (Pvt) Limited, Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.
Registrations for SLEIS 2026 are now closed. The Ceylon Chamber looks forward to welcoming participants to the discussions on Sri Lanka’s future trajectory on 12 and 13 October.
Commercial Bank of Ceylon has launched ‘Prestige’, a three-tier banking proposition aimed at high-net-worth (HNW) clients, combining wealth management, advisory services and lifestyle benefits.
The initiative replaces the bank’s existing ‘Elite’ private banking brand with Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond tiers, designed to cater to customers according to their wealth profiles and banking relationships.
The bank said Prestige would provide dedicated relationship managers, priority branch services, preferential rates on loans and deposits, enhanced card privileges, family banking programmes and offshore account solutions.
Its wealth and investment management services include access to capital-protected income solutions, dual-currency investments, institutional deals and estate and portfolio governance.
Clients will also have access to specialist financial and corporate advisory services, including assistance with international relocation, overseas property and capital repatriation.
The programme includes lifestyle benefits such as VIP airport lounge access, travel concierge services, property management and medical coordination, as well as access to selected art and culinary events.
The bank said its flagship Prestige banking residence at R.G. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 07, had been refurbished, with the service to be extended to other economically important cities.
Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge said Prestige was intended to support customers in managing their wealth, business interests, family needs and long-term legacy.
Existing Elite clients are being transitioned to the new programme, the bank said.
Ceylinco Life has rewarded 80 members of its sales force with overseas tours to Vietnam and China for their outstanding performance in the company’s 2025 sales competitions.
The group comprised 62 sales achievers who travelled to Vietnam and 18 who visited China.
The Vietnam tour included visits to Hanoi’s Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Hoan Kiem Lake. The group also travelled to Ha Long Bay, where they went on an Aurora Cruise and explored attractions including Sung Sot Cave, Luun Cave and Titop Island.
The tour also featured a sunset party aboard the cruise, with music and refreshments.
The 18 achievers who travelled to China visited several of Beijing’s major historical and cultural attractions, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. They also took a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
A highlight of the China tour was a visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, including a round-trip cable car ride. The group also attended an acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theatre and visited the Panda Garden at Beijing Zoo.
The company said the tours were organised to recognise and reward sales personnel for their performance and achievements.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and North-Western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Anuradhapura and Mannar districts.
Iranian ships stranded, Lanka fears US sanctions
Sri Lanka CERT warns of overseas university admission scams
Navi Pillay’s Lankan affairs in focus as she wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize
Lanka welcomes Indian SC remarks on Katchatheevu dispute
UN at Crossroads, Trump nearing End of the Road
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News6 days agoGeneva takes up Sallay’s case and govt. ignores opportunity to answer accusations
-
Features5 days agoPreventing grievances from becoming communal
-
Features3 days agoThe Sri Lankan who made Scottish history
-
Sports3 days agoNissanka absence opens door for Sri Lanka’s young guns
-
News4 days agoGnansara Thera to be assigned to prison printing section: Officials
-
Features6 days agoSri Lanka Cricket Bill: Governance reform is not yet a cricket strategy
-
News2 days agoNDB fraud Rs 60mn more than reported
-
Features3 days agoFuture of Sri Lanka’s state university system: Should it be shut down and reopened?