Superstition Spreading in Sri Lanka That 'Syrup' Prevents COVID-19... Health Authorities on Alert

Politicians and Thousands Gather... Cluster Infection
Health Authorities "Only Makes Quarantine Measures More Difficult"

A woman in Sri Lanka is seen walking out of a testing center after undergoing a test for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] In Sri Lanka, a superstition that syrup can prevent the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is reportedly causing the spread of the virus, raising concerns among health authorities.

According to The Guardian on the 19th (local time), several politicians, including P.R. de Silva, the Minister of Women and Child Development of Sri Lanka, were reportedly infected in clusters after consuming the syrup believed to prevent COVID-19. The syrup in question was made through an alternative medicine called 'Ayurveda,' which is popular in India and Sri Lanka. It is known that an Ayurveda scholar named Damika Bandara made the syrup by mixing honey and nutmeg, a type of spice.

In an interview with local media earlier last month, Bandara said, "This syrup was made after receiving a spiritual revelation from a Hindu deity," and added, "It will provide permanent immunity against COVID-19." Subsequently, the government agency overseeing Ayurveda medicine approved it as a 'COVID-19 supplement,' leading to its widespread popularity. On the 25th of last month, thousands of citizens gathered in front of Bandara's house to obtain the syrup despite government social distancing measures, reportedly increasing the risk of cluster infections.

Sri Lankan health authorities are reportedly struggling because quarantine measures are not being properly followed due to this syrup. AFP reported, "Posts about the syrup's recipe have been shared over 3,300 times on Facebook alone," and added, "The popularity of such alternative medicines could make resolving the COVID-19 situation more difficult, raising concerns among health authorities." Dr. Karunathilake, a researcher of alternative medicine at Colombo University, stated, "The popularity of this syrup could rather damage trust in alternative medicine."

Sri Lanka's daily average number of confirmed cases remained in double digits but surged to over 800 cases since October last year, and the total number of confirmed cases has now exceeded 54,000. Since last month, the Sri Lankan government has implemented partial lockdown measures centered around the capital Colombo and nearby areas.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.