The United National Party has raised concerns over the availability of PCR tests in the country. Speaking to the media, UNP General-Secretary, Palitha Range Bandara questioned the Government on the allegations that the health authorities have run out of PCR testing kits for the next week. “The Government must confirm or deny the rumors that claim there is a shortage of PCR testing kits in the country. If this is correct, how do the authorities plan to rectify this issue and how soon can new testing kits be deployed. If this allegation is false, the Government must state how many kits are available in the country and whether orders have been placed for new testing kits,” he said. “Currently Sri Lanka is experiencing an 8% positive rate on our PCR testing, we must increase the number of PCR tests in the country to help identify the danger areas in the country,” he added. The General-Secretary urged the Government to take the unpopular decision and impose an island-wide lockdown for a period of two weeks to help contain the spread of the virus. “Locking down the country is not a popular decision and will inconvenience many people in the public. However, if this decision is not taken then the repercussions from this outbreak will be far worse than the economic damage,” he said. He urged the Government not to delay in their decision making in regard to this outbreak, adding that the Government delayed vital decisions during the first and second COVID-19 waves.