Sri Lankan Cabinet approves amendments to quarantine and disease prevention law

Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved a review committee for amendments to the country’s Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance, the main law governing infectious-disease control and quarantine measures.

The law dates from 1897. The government said the growth in international and domestic movement of people, goods and services has increased the risk of infectious diseases crossing borders and spreading rapidly through travel and trade.

Cabinet had previously approved amendments in 2016, but the draft legislation never reached Parliament. The latest decision followed a proposal from the health and mass media minister.

The committee will examine the draft prepared so far and recommend changes based on experience gained during recent pandemics. Its stated aim is to improve the country’s ability to respond to current health challenges and possible future threats.