The Ultimate PCR Guide in Sri Lanka..

By Janani Vithanage

The COVID-19 pandemic has really shaken us up –  and not in the best ways. Gone are the carefree days when all we did to remedy a viral “flu” was lounging in bed all day, taking a couple of Panadols and downing a spoonful of honey with lemon squeezed into it. Now, symptoms as trivial as a sudden fit of coughing, a stuffy nose or a scratchy throat are enough to send the first shivers of panic slithering down your spine. 

As is the case with all diseases, efficient, accurate testing is crucial for the management of this viral infection. This is why PCRs are so important. This test involves the isolation and analysis of DNA obtained from a patient’s nasal swab sample. If the DNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is detected during the PCR, the patient’s test report will state that he or she is COVID-19 positive. A PCR should be carried out within 3 to 7 days of the onset of symptoms like fatigue, a cough, fever, a sore throat, a sudden loss in sense of smell and/or taste, a runny nose, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea. The advantage of a PCR over an antigen test is the fact that PCRs are much more specific and reliable, so you don’t need to worry about false positive (or negative) test results. 

However, simply knowing how a PCR works is not enough. Once one decides to actually get tested, the real struggle begins; endlessly calling friends and family and asking them where they got their PCRs done, how much they spent and whether or not health and safety standards were maintained during testing. This is where we come in. Fear not, regardless of whether you live in Colombo or elsewhere, we’ve got you covered. The list below states places where you can get your testing done safely and rest assured that your final report will be error-free. 

Medic on Call

This is a purely home visit based PCR service. All you need to do is call them  and let them know your address and contact details and they’ll arrive right at your doorstep at whichever time is convenient for you! And what’s more, they guarantee that you’ll receive your results within 24 hours. 

Visit their website for more information.

Contact Number: 071 157 0000 or 071 157 0003

Price: 8500LKR + 1500 for transport

In Colombo 

1. Durdans Hospital

Location: 3, Alfred Place, Colombo 03000 

Contact Number: 011 2140 000

Price: 6500LKR or 9500LKR + transport fee for home visits

Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

2. CDEM Hospital

Location: 21, Norris Canal Road, Colombo 01000 

Contact Number: 0117 463 600

Price: 6500LKR or 6500LKR + transport fee for home visits 

Opening Times: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

3. Forte Diagnostics

Location: 1, Boteju Road, Thimbirigasyaya Road, Colombo 05000

Contact Number: 077 3633 140

Price: 6500LKR

Opening Times: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 

Anuradhapura

4. Lanka hospitals Laboratories Anuradhapura

Location: 395/10A, Bandaranayaka Mawatha, Kada 50, Anuradhapura

Contact Number: 0254 552 051

Price: 6500LKR

Opening Times: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

Jaffna

5. Jaffna Teaching Hospital

Location: Hospital Street, Jaffna 40000

Contact Number: 0212 223 348

Price: Free of charge

Opening Times: 8:00 am to 12 noon

Mannar

6. District General Hospital – Mannar

Location: Thalvupadu, Mannar Road, Mannar 41000

Contact Number: 0232 222 261 

Price: Free of charge

Opening Times: 8:00 am to 12 noon

Kurunegala

8. Durdans Medical Center, Kurunegala

Location: 142/A, Colombo Road, Kurunegala

Contact Number:  0372 231 052

Price: 6500LKR

Opening Times: 8:30 am to 1:30 pm

Kandy

9. Asiri Hospital Kandy

Location: 907, Peradeniya Road, Kandy 20000 

Contact Number: 0814 528 800 

Price: 6500LKR

Opening Times: time slots must be booked via the “Asiri Health” app

Ratnapura

10. Aloka Hospital

Location: Inner Circular Road, Rathnapura

Contact Number:  0452 223 200

Price: 6500LKR or 6500LKR + transport fee for home visits

Opening Times: 8:30 am to 4:30pm

Trincomalee

11. District General Hospital – Trincomalee

Location: Hospital Lane, Trincomalee

Contact Number: 0262 222 261

Price: Free of charge

Opening Times: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Badulla

12. Provincial General Hospital – Badulla

Location: Daya Gunasekara Mawatha, Badulla 

Contact Number: 0552 222 261 

Price: Free of charge

Opening Times: 12 noon to 1:00 pm

Galle

13. Melsta Laboratories – Galle Regional Laboratory

Location: 368G+XRW, Galle 80000

Contact Number: 0915 660 660

Price: 6500LKR

Opening Times: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

Ampara

14. Prabhoda Hospital

Location: 21, Pandukabaya Mawatha, Ampara 32000

Contact Number: 0632 223 606

Price: 6500LKR

Opening Times: Appointments can be made by calling them before you arrive

Matara

15. Asiri Hospital – Matara

Location: 26, Esplanade Road, Uyanwatta, Matara 81000

Contact Numbner: 0417 501 501

Price: 6500LKR or 6500LKR + transport fee for home visits

Opening Times: 7:00 am to 10:30 am, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Now that you’ve read our guide, you won’t need to stress over PCR details anymore. Go ahead and get tested. Remember, the correct diagnosis will not only protect you but those around you as well. Stay safe!

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

A Vintage Affair at Sky Lounge

An Evening of Fine Wine and an Italian Touch The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites you to

Highlights Kamu Trending

Taste the World: 7 Cuisines in 7 Days

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

The Avenue, Colombo – Review

From the moment you walk in, the space offers a sense of comfort. Its simple

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Tea Trails & Tastes: : Best Eats in Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

By Fathima Rukaiya, Let’s take a flavorful journey through the culinary landscapes of Ella and

Highlights Kamu Trending

Press Conference: Celebrating 50 Years of The London Grill & Welcoming Visiting Chef Phillip Davenport

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 14 May 2025 – Cinnamon Grand Colombo is pleased to invite

Highlights Kamu Trending

Trending.

A Vintage Affair at Sky Lounge

An Evening of Fine Wine and an Italian Touch The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites you to

Highlights Kamu Trending

Browns Hotels Opens Turtle Conservation Hub at Dickwella Resort

On 23rd May, to celebrate World Turtle Day, Browns Hotels & Resorts (BHR) began a

Trending

Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka (Including Hidden Gems)

By Fathima Rukaiya, There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, but are you unsure

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

Taste the World: 7 Cuisines in 7 Days

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

The Avenue, Colombo – Review

From the moment you walk in, the space offers a sense of comfort. Its simple

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Yamu Guide.

Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka (Including Hidden Gems)

By Fathima Rukaiya, There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, but are you unsure

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

The 2025 High Tea Round-Up

Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing high tea? Whether you're into sweet

Highlights Yamu Guide

A Curated List of 9 Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Yamu Guide

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025

By Linara Wimalaweera Father's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and influence of

Yamu Guide

Top Must-Try Restaurants in Ahangama for 2025

Ahangama, a charming surf town on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is becoming a popular spot

Highlights Yamu Guide

8 Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your Mom This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special time set aside to honor the amazing women who shape

Yamu Guide