The John Keells Group, through John Keells Foundation and in collaboration with SAGT and Deutsche Bank, contributed to the establishment of a Molecular Virology Laboratory at National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH), to increase testing capacity of Sri Lanka. The contribution involved funding of certain equipment and consumables required for the lab to commence operations on an immediate basis.
The temporary facility, which has been set up pending the establishment of a fully equipped lab, became operational from 29th March 2020 to cater to the immediate need of increasing the overall testing capacity of the country and reduce the test turnaround times relating to COVID-19 patients. The establishment of a Molecular Virology Laboratory will also contribute to improve clinical management of patients as it will be possible carry out tests at IDH without sending them to MRI. The Laboratory will also prevent possible biohazards surrounding the disposal and transportation of infectious materials while it will also help in the prompt discharge of individuals who have been tested negative.