Health authorities have confirmed that the new variant of coronavirus spreading the United Kingdom has been found in Sri Lanka.

The new variant has been confirmed by Prof. Neelika Malawige, a prominent researcher at the University of Sri Jayawardenapura. The new variant of the virus is considered highly transmissible.

Chief Epidemiologist Sudath Samaraweera said the person infected with the new variant of the virus is a returnee from the United Kingdom.

Health authorities state that all posisble measures have been taken to ensure that it does not transmit to society.

Sri Lanka has already banned flights from the United Kingdom. However, health experts have stated that the new variat of the virus could enter Sri Lanka from another country as the country is looking reopen the airports after a prolonged lockdown.