• The vaccine will be manufactured as a joint venture production of both countries

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama

The discussion held with regards to the manufacture of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines locally was a success and we are hoping to begin manufacturing vaccines locally within the next two months, Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals State Minister Professor Channa Jayasumana said.   

Addressing the media after receiving the second batch of Sinopharm vaccines in the country this morning, Prof. Jayasumana said the matter has been under discussion during the past few months.   

However, the talks were successful and Sinovac vaccines will be manufactured in our country under supervision of the Chinese Government.   The vaccine will be manufactured as a joint venture production of both countries.   
Another two million vials of Sinopharm vaccine similar to the type that we purchased before will be delivered to the country within next month.   “We hope the ordered consignment will reach us by the second week of June. The 500,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines received today will be used to vaccinate the public from tomorrow,” he said.   
Sri Lanka was gifted with 600,000 vials of Sinopharm vaccines by the Chinese government in March.     

• Another two million vials of Sinopharm vaccine similar to the type that we purchased before will be delivered to the country within next month