Dr. Anil Jasinghe said this during the media briefing held at the National Operation Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 

Dr. Anil Jasinghe said strict conditions have been imposed on private hospitals and it had been decided to allow the test to be done at a cost of Rs. 6000.

Health Services Director General  noted that the test will be permitted to be done only on patients who are admitted to the private hospitals and only in instances where a patient shows symptoms.

Prior to testing suspected patients all private hospitals are requested to notify the Infectious Disease Institute and whether the result is positive or negative, still the result has to also be notified. The reports of the tests have to be issued within 24 hours and the tests should only be carried out based on the recommendation of a specialist.He said private hospitals too could utilise government laboratories to conduct these tests at a cost of Rs. 6000.

 Dr. Anil Jasinghe said that covid-19 tests will be suspended in private hospitals that fail to comply with the above mentioned guidelines.