Sri Lanka's health minister has tested positive for COVID-19 even after taking herbal syrup against the disease.

He has been receiving criticism for accepting and approving a herbal syrup, AP reported.

A health ministry spokesman on Saturday confirmed that Pavithra Wanniarachchi has become the country's highest-ranking official to catch the virus.

Doctors said there was no scientific basis for using the syrup as a cure for COVID-19. It is said to contain honey and nutmeg.