Three mutations of delta variant of COVID-19 have been discovered in Sri Lanka, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana revealed in Parliament today (17).
He said that these mutations could be the reason for an ongoing surge in cases in the country.
He said that the three mutations – namely SA222V, SA701S and SA1078S – show changes to their spike protein.
The researchers have confirmed that the delta strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is the dominant variant in Sri Lanka. It is spreading 60-70 per cent faster than previous strains, he said.