• Health authorities say screening and monitoring systems are already in place

Sri Lanka has been designated a low-risk country for the spread of the Ebola virus by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Deputy Minister of Health Dr Hansaka Wijemuni said.

Responding to questions from The Daily Morning yesterday (23), he said the classification meant Sri Lanka was not considered to be under an immediate threat of Ebola transmission, adding that precautionary measures had already been put in place to deal with any potential cases. “We will not have a problem, but we have prepared the necessary measures if such a situation arises,” he said.

Dr  Wijemuni noted that screening and monitoring systems were already operating, particularly for passengers arriving from countries where Ebola outbreaks had been reported.

He said health teams stationed at ports of entry were carrying out assessments and asking targeted questions to identify potentially at-risk individuals. "A dedicated health desk was also operating at airports across the island to monitor incoming passengers and refer suspected cases for further evaluation."

Referring to the nature of the disease, the Deputy Minister said Ebola was a zoonotic infection and not an airborne virus, adding that transmission required direct contact with infected bodily fluids. He further noted that severe cases usually presented visible symptoms, making detection at entry points more manageable.

He said  WHO had not recommended blanket testing for all travellers arriving from affected countries and that Sri Lanka’s current approach was based on risk assessments and symptom screening.

Meanwhile, Health Ministry Secretary Anil Jasinghe said facilities were available at the Infectious Diseases Hospital to manage suspected Ebola cases if required.