By Kelum Bandara   

Following a request made by State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof Channa Jayasumana, the World Bank has pledged to provide assistance to purchase required quantities of essential medicines to Sri Lanka.   

During a discussion recently held with World Bank’s Regional Director for Human Development in the South Asia Region Lynne D. Sherburne-Benz, the State Minister has sought the assistance of the World Bank to ensure a continuous supply of medicinal drugs in Sri Lanka.   

Considering this, the World Bank’s Regional Director has informed the State Minister that the World Bank will take it as a high priority and take immediate measures to provide assistance. Meanwhile, State minister Prof Jayasumana tendered his gratefulness to the world bank for the financial assistance given to secure Pfizer vaccines to control COVID 19 pandemic in Sri Lanka.    

• The State Minister has sought assistance of the World Bank to ensure a continuous supply of medicinal drugs in Sri Lanka