Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella says the four cough syrups made in India, that have been linked to 66 child deaths in The Gambia, have not been imported to Sri Lanka.

The Minister referring to the development at a media briefing held at the Ministry of Health today (06) said the syrups will not be imported in the future either.

Minister Rambukwella said diligent regulatory agencies are in place when importing medicines, adding that it was determined through an investigation by the relevant departments that the medicines have not been imported.

The World Health Organization has issued a product alert on four cough syrups made in India, linking them with 66 child deaths in The Gambia.

This came after an investigation into the deaths of children from kidney injuries in the West African country.

The health body is "conducting further investigation" with the firm - Maiden Pharmaceuticals - and Indian authorities.

It has also advised regulators to stop sale of the syrups.

India's health ministry and drugs regulator are yet to officially comment on the WHO's product alert, which it published on its website.

The WHO findings, announced by Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday, came after samples of each of the four cough syrups were tested. It identified the medicines as Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup.

The health body said that laboratory analysis had confirmed that the syrups contain "unacceptable amounts" of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which are toxic to humans and can prove fatal when consumed.