First COVID-19 Death

COVID-19 has claimed its first fatality in Sri Lanka. A press release from the Director General of Information, Nalaka Kaluwewa, states that the victim, a 60 year old male from Maravila had succumbed to the virus a few hours ago. The statement adds that according to the Director General of Health Services, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, the victim had been receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital at the time of death. The victim had other underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and had also undergone a kidney transplant some time ago, the release said. Currently there are 113 confirmed patients, according to the Health Promotions Bureau website.