The number of PCR tests performed in the country has dropped to around 8,000 by Monday (16) from around 10,000 during the same period last week, according to statistics available with the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB).

Accordingly, the number of total PCR tests carried out by the authorities on Monday was at 8,743, while the number stood at 10,207 in the same period last week.

The HPB graphs clearly indicate that the highest number of PCR tests was conducted on 13 November and from then onwards, the number has been gradually reducing. The total number of PCR tests performed so far in Sri Lanka since 18 February is 680,843.

It is alleged that the reason for the drop in PCR testing, as identified by health unions, is due to the breakdown of the PCR machine in Mulleriyawa. The machine has been broken down twice recently.

According to Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena, the PCR machine in Mulleriyawa, which is currently not functioning, would be back in operation by Friday (20).

He told the media that the experts are working on the machines to get it back in operation.

According to Dr. Gunawardena, the issue with regard to the machine was due to the shortage of testing reagents.

He said the required chemical has been ordered from China and steps have been taken to air freight it through Hong Kong.

Furthermore, the previous issue of the PCR machine has now been sorted by a specialist group that arrived from China.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy stated that there is no technical fault in the PCR machine at the Colombo East Base Hospital, and that operations were only hampered due to the shortage of testing reagents.

Operations were affected due to a shortage of testing reagents which were consumed fast in recent weeks, it is stated.

The Chinese Embassy tweeted on its official Twitter account, stating a new order has been placed and will arrive in three to four days, depending on international logistics.