ECONOMYNEXT – The first batch of Coronavirus vaccines provided free by the government of India will reach the island on January 27 and vaccination to begin on January 28, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said.
Vaccination will start with frontline health and military personnel, he was quoted as saying by his office during a meeting in Kaluthara district.
Sri Lanka is also planning to expedite imports of vaccines from China and Russia, he had said.
Sri Lanka’s National Medical Regulatory Authority approved the Astra-Zeneca vaccine for use last week.
Serum Institute of India is producing Covishield, the AstraZeneca Coronavirus vaccine where some supplies of which is being given free to seven countries in South Asia.
India also produces Covaxin, which is made by Bharat Biotech.
Last Friday, Sri Lanka’s Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi was confirmed with Coronavirus.
(Colombo/Jan24/2021)