By Sheain Fernandopulle

The Chinese government has come forward to fulfil 80% coverage of vaccines in Sri Lanka to make the vaccination programme a success and thereby strengthen the country, Heath Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

She expressed these views at a special discussion held with the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong at the Chinese Embassy last morning. “The Chinese Government has extended its support to the Government of Sri Lanka in strengthening the programme to save the lives of people infected with COVID-19 and to control the virus by providing essential medical equipment to Intermediate Treatment Centres and Hospitals,” the Minister said. Minister Wanniarachchi also thanked the Chinese Government for their support to the control of the Covid virus in Sri Lanka from the outset, further strengthening the long-standing international relations between the two countries. In response, the Chinese Ambassador said the Chinese Government is giving priority to providing all assistance to control the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, steps will be taken to provide grants and necessary assistance to Sri Lanka in the future, he said.

• Minister Wanniarachchi also thanked the Chinese Government for their support to the control of the Covid virus in Sri Lanka from the outset, further strengthening the longstanding international relations between the two countries