Saturday Dec 14, 2024
Saturday Dec 14, 2024
Tuesday, 5 January 2021 01:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory established at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at Katunayake to diagnose the arriving COVID-19 affected passengers has completed 10,0000 PCR tests within five months since its inception on 9th July 2020.
The laboratory was established at the airport premises in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to meet the increasing demand for PCR testing facilities.
In recognition of the tremendous service and the dedication of the medical practitioners and the laboratory staff at BIA, a felicitation program was organized by the Ministry of Health on 4th January 2021 at the BIA premises.
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara, Director In-charge, Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, BIA, appreciated the contribution made by the staff and the collaboration given by the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) to establish the laboratory facility at a time the country had a dire need of such facilities.
Addressing the gathering Rajiv Sooriyaarachchi, Vice Chairman of AASL said the airport operator, AASL would provide all the required support to strengthen the facilities of the laboratory. He further appreciated the commitment of the staff of the BIA Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory and admired the critical role of medical practitioners of the Ministry of Health during this challenging period.
State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID-19 Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle admiring the committed staff said at present the laboratory at BIA conducts 1/3 of the PCR tests being carried out in the country and it is a remarkable contribution given not only for the passengers but also for the community at large. The BIA Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory has done 85,000 PCR tests for the community while more than 20,000 tests have been conducted for the passengers at BIA.
In addition, Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle highlighted the importance of appreciating the staff and stated that the Government has confidence in facing the COVID-19 challenge. The fully equipped, state-of-the-art Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at BIA issues a world-recognized PCR certificate, and all passengers arriving at BIA are PCR tested.
Dr. Amal Harsha, Secretary to State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID-19 Disease Control, senior medical practitioners of Ministry of Health, Aluthar Kithsiri, Chief Medical Laboratory Technologist at Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, BIA, Staff of the laboratory and the senior officers of AASL participated in this special program.
