The Omicron variant has been detected in Sri Lanka, in a Lankan who has returned from South Africa, the Ministry of Health said.

The patient was already under quarantine and that steps have been taken to identify his family members and associates and refer them for tests.

Samples obtained from a number of foreign nationals have been subjected to special tests (genetic sequencing) by the Medical Faculty of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura over the past week.

The sample containing the Omicron vrient was found in one sample during the same test.