r Ministry of Defence - Sri Lanka

Welisara Naval Base isolated after finding 30 sailors positive for coronavirous

April 23, 2020
  • 29 sailors found to be coronavirus positives

Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) base in Welisara has been completely isolated today after 29 sailors tested positive for coronavirus, following the PCR tests done at the naval base after its first coronavirus infected sailor was reported, yesterday.

The Head of the COVID-19 National Centre and Army Commander Lt.Gen. Shavendra Silva said the sailor who was on leave had been tested positive for coronavirus and the rest were found positive from the PCR tests done today.

He said the first sailor who was tested positive was infected, while directing residents of Suduwella, who had close links with a coronavirus positive from the area.

While all the sailors in barracks in Welisara Naval Base are now under quarantine, the Base has been declared as an isolation area until further notice.

Lt.Gen. Silva said all the sailors in the Naval Base would be subjected to PCR tests and those who are on leave and had contacts with the infected sailors would also be recalled for the tests.