In Sri Lanka, two highly contagious variants of COVID-19 – B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 have been detected.

Director of the Allergy, Immunity and Cell Biology Unit at the Sri Jayewardenepura University, Chandima Jeewandara said the B.1.1.7 variant, also known as Alpha, has been reported in capital Colombo and nine other areas in the country, reports Xinhua news agency.

Meanwhile, the B.1.617.2 or the Delta variant, has been detected in a quarantine facility in Waskaduwa in the outskirts of the capital, she added.

‘Sri Lanka is presently facing a third wave of the pandemic.’