New PCR Testing Laboratory at BIA Handed Over to the Sri Lanka Health Authorities: Capacity to Conduct 500 Tests Daily

July 09, 2020

In view of diagnosing the COVID-19 affected passengers arriving in Sri Lanka, a PCR test laboratory has been established at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Accordingly, Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited has funded Rs.16.5 mn for this (PCR) laboratory.The laboratory is equipped with the latest technology, including automated sample extractors, PCR machines, consumables, pharmacological refrigerators and freezers, generators, reagents, and dedicated utilities such as water supply, electricity, and telecommunication, etc

The handing over of the PCR laboratory to Ministry of Health & Indigenous Medicine by AASL took place today, 9th of July 2020 with the participation of Major General Dr. S.H Munasinghe Secretary of the Minister of Health & Indigenous Medicine, Dr. Anil Jasinghe Director General of Health Services, Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara Director of Sri Lanka Medical Research Institute, Major General (Rtd.) G. A. Chandrasiri Chairman AASL, Mr. Rajeewasiri Sooriyaarachchi Vice Chairman AASL, Board of Directors AASL, senior officials of AASL and other officials of Ministry of Health and Medical Research Unit. At present, this PCR laboratory at BIA has the capacity to conduct 500 PCR tests per day.