In an attempt to strengthen the integrated mechanism implemented by the government to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus in Sri Lanka, these PCR testing machines were provided by the Australian Government to enable the Navy to carry out on-demand PCR testing efficiently and effectively, during routine operations conducted by the sea-going arm in Sri Lankan waters.

Incidentally, both Australian Department of Defence (02) and Department of Home Affairs (02) handed over these 04 vital PCR testing machines, to support the Navy’s effort to combat and control COVID - 19. Meanwhile, each machine has the capacity to test 04 samples at a given time. Representing the Australian High Commission in Colombo, its Defence Adviser Group Captain Sean Unwin handed over these Virology Laboratory Equipment to the Director Naval Operations, Commodore Prasanna Mahawithana who took the delivery of these equipment on behalf of the Navy.

Further, High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, His Excellency David Holly, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Counsellor Home Affairs at the Australian High Commission, Mr. Hasan Sowaid and Director Naval Health Services (Diagnosis and Prevention), Surgeon Commodore PJB Marambe were also present on this occasion.