Field Marshal Fonseka told a press conference that Sri Lanka’s vaccine program began late though it is being carried out efficiently. “The Sri Lankan government began providing vaccines late compared to other countries. Some countries such as the US and Italy had managed to contain the pandemic after being in a more helpless position. However Sri Lanka has not achieved the same though its population is low compared to nations such as the US and Italy. Sri Lanka’s late start of the vaccine program may become a hindrance for the containment of the disease. There will be many more cases and deaths by the time Sri Lanka goes in for a third jab or booster injections,” Fonseka said.

“This would be the consequence despite the commitment from the health officials and the security forces when it comes to the vaccine program,” he added.

Also he said people should not hesitate to get the jab. “I had lunch with MP Dilip Wedaarachhi on the day he tested COVID 19 positive in Parliament. However I was not infected and Mr. Wedarachchi also did not show severe symptoms as both of us had two doses of vaccines,” he said.