Special discussion with WHO over COVID-19 vaccine to SL: Army Chief

• WHO has pledged to provide 20% of Sri Lanka’s population with COVID-19 vaccine once developed

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

The authorities concerned will hold a special discussion with World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding COVID-19 vaccines to Sri Lanka, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva said.  President’s Chief Advisor Lalith Weeratunga who has been assigned to oversee the coordination process of importing the vaccine. Director General of Health Service Dr. Asela Gunawardena and Army Commander are scheduled to attend the discussion with the WHO representatives.   

The Army chief said that they would discuss as to which COVID-19 vaccines will be recommend by the WHO for Sri Lanka and also about the process of importing them.   

He said they would discuss to import a suitable vaccine from Pfizer from the USA, Oxford/AstraZenica from UK or Sputnik V vaccine from Russia.   

Earlier, the WHO has pledged to provide 20% of Sri Lanka’s population with COVID-19 vaccine once developed.   
Lt. Gen. Silva said they would also ascertain the quantity of vaccines to be provided to Sri Lanka by the WHO.