Commuting into and from Colombo, you can’t help but observe the number of people who are struggling with some form of a flu or respiratory illness.  With authorities warning about the cyclic rise of vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya, the public is at a loss to figure out what ails them and how to get cured. Meanwhile, there was a concern growing that a new variant of Covid-19 had emerged and was doing the rounds through urban communities.

However, the Government yesterday moved to quell such concerns stating that there is no risk of a new ‘Covid-19’ variant spreading in Sri Lanka, and therefore there is no need for unnecessary fear. This, according to Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr. Anil Jasinghe. Jayasinghe. Jayasinghe is no stranger dealing with the Covid pandemic, made the assertion in a press release citing data from the Epidemiology Unit. He noted that although media reports indicated an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in several Asian countries in recent weeks, it could be due to various factors, including the inability to manage the disease. The Ministry of Health noted that the ‘Integrated Respiratory Surveillance’, which involves testing clinical samples for Covid-19, continues uninterrupted in selected hospitals across the country, and stated that authorities have intensified its preparedness at the national level and taken necessary steps to protect the public health sector. They also stated that a laboratory surveillance system is actively in place to identify potential future epidemic situations in Sri Lanka According to that surveillance, no significant increase in Covid-19 cases is currently observed, Dr. Anil Jasinghe said, opining that while increases in respiratory illnesses – including influenza and Covid-19 – may occur from time to time, the current risk to the general public remains low.

Nevertheless, Jasinghe emphasises the importance of paying special attention to high-risk groups, such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic illnesses. Health authorities have maintained that basic hygiene practices and respiratory etiquette – such as frequent washing of hands and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing – should be consistently followed, irrespective of the risk of illness in the community at any given time. “It is simply a set of good practices which we should engrain into our culture. They could prevent, and or reduce the spread of such illnesses in the future,” one specialist stated. The Ministry of Health also said that they are ready to face any potential epidemic conditions, stressing that the readiness levels of the hospital system are good. Such practices and relentless vigilance by medical professionals and the public will go a long way to contain and stop the spread of such illnesses.

It is also vital that the Government introduces a formalised annual screening programme for flu and viral infections, accompanied by preventive immunisation campaigns tailored to vulnerable groups. This programme should run in tandem with seasonal patterns, particularly the monsoon periods that coincide with peak mosquito breeding and the rise in vector-borne diseases. Without accurate and timely diagnosis, healthcare professionals are working in the dark – relying on clinical symptoms alone to guide treatment. This not only delays care but also undermines public trust in the system.

Improving public awareness also helps manage such cyclic situations. Awareness campaigns aimed at the general public can be significantly improved. Effective public health communication can save lives, especially in communities where access to medical care is limited. These campaigns should include simple, actionable guidance on symptom recognition, when to seek care, how to prevent mosquito breeding, and the importance of vaccination. Schools, workplaces, religious institutions, and community organisations must be mobilised as partners in a nationwide health literacy initiative. 

A proactive approach by the Government to build awareness, improve screening and vigilance and build resilience and capacity to manage such public health issues will go a long way to keep Sri Lankans safe.