Sri Lanka's health authorities are considering stricter lockdown measures at least in some parts of the country following the detection of B.1.617.2 variant — Delta Variant — in Colombo.

Health experts have confirmed that the Delta variant is 50% faster than B117 (UK variant), more severe and evades one dose vaccine. According to media reports, five persons in Dematagoda have so far been diagnosed with the latest variant.

The latest variant found in Sri Lanka was commonly prevalent in India — the world's largest hotspot for COVID19 in recent times.

The current travel restrictions across the country will remain effective until Monday. However, there are widespread concerns in the health circles that the enforcement of travel restrictions has been unsatisfactory so far.

It is in this context that Sri Lankan authorities are now considering stricter lockdown measures from Monday onwards.

A final decision in this regard is expected over the weekend.