COVID vaccine supply through diplomatic means

• The diplomatic approach was made by the President’s Secretary
• Money alone does not play a major role here, the real issue is to get the required quantity of vaccines

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

It is only through diplomatic approach and discussions with the vaccine manufacturing countries,the COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to Sri Lanka from certain countries, not because the Government has money, Community Police Services State Minister Dilum Amunugama said.  

Addressing the media in Kandy after visiting the COVID vaccination centres in Mahaiyawa, he said the diplomatic approach was made by the President’s Secretary.  

Following the discussions, the President, Government and higher officials were able to get down larger quantity of vaccines so far.However, there was a huge vaccine shortage prevailing in the world. Every country wanted to have sufficient vaccines for its use, he said.  

“Money alone does not play a major role here, the real issue is to get the required quantity of vaccines. Having the necessary funds in hand, anyone can buy the vaccines. Even the Government might have asked the private sector to import vaccines but there are no vaccines available in the global market,” the State Minister said.