Govt. must ensure no shortage of PCR kits: UNP

• Wants clarity on number of PCR tests available 
• Calls for increase in testing 
• Renews calls for 2-week countrywide lockdown to slow virus spread 

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday raised concerns over the availability of PCR tests in the country and renewed calls for the Government to impose a two-week lockdown to contain the virus. 

Speaking to media, UNP General-Secretary Palitha Range Bandara questioned the Government on concerns raised by health authorities that the country had run out of PCR testing kits for the next week.

“The Government must confirm or deny the rumours of a shortage of PCR testing kits in the country. If this is correct, how do the authorities plan to rectify this issue and how soon can new testing kits be deployed? If this allegation is false, they Government must state how many kits are available in the country and whether orders have been placed for new testing kits.

“Currently, Sri Lanka is experiencing an 8% positive rate on our PCR testing, we must increase the number of PCR tests in the country to help identify the danger areas in the country.”

The General-Secretary urged the Government to take the unpopular decision and impose an island-wide lockdown for a period of two weeks to help contain the spread of the virus.

“Locking down the country is not a popular decision and will inconvenience many people. However, if this decision is not taken, then the repercussions from this outbreak will be far worse than the economic damage.”

He urged the Government not to delay in its decision making with regard to this outbreak. “The Government delayed vital decisions during the first and second COVID-19 waves last year, which cost us numerous lives. They must not repeat those mistakes.”