600,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines arrive in Sri Lanka

31 March 2021 12:10 pm - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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600,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccines arrived in Sri Lanka from China this morning.

The vaccines were handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa by the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong.

At a ceremony held at the Bandaranaike International Airport to accept the vaccines, State Minister of Pharmaceutical Production, Supply and Regulation Prof. Channa Jayasumana thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese Government for the donation.

He also thanked China for assisting Sri Lanka during the coronavirus pandemic.

The State Minister said that despite several obstacles faced over the past week in attempts to secure the Chinese vaccine, officials were able to ensure the vaccines arrived in Sri Lanka today.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong said that China was always prepared to assist Sri Lanka, especially during times of need.

He appreciated the decision taken by the Sri Lankan Government to permit the vaccine to be first administered to Chinese nationals based in Sri Lanka.

Several Ministers, including Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and State Minister Sudharshini Fernandopulle were present at the occasion. (Text and pics by Jamila Husain)

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Comments - 20

Selvakumar Wednesday, 31 March 2021 12:22 PM

Great !!!

Nihal Weerawardane Wednesday, 31 March 2021 12:26 PM

WHAT EVER MAJOR PROBLEM WE HAVE -- CHAÎNA HAS ALWAYS SINCERELY STAND FOR SRI LANKA -

RoaringCreek Wednesday, 31 March 2021 12:34 PM

Ha Ha Ha! I am rolling. An unapproved vaccine and a bunch of joker. Only in Sri Lanka.

Nosurprise Wednesday, 31 March 2021 12:54 PM

From China with love. Virus first and the vaccine next.

ANTON Wednesday, 31 March 2021 01:02 PM

THIS VACCINE DID NOT WORK ON IMRAN KHAN, HOW CAN WE COUNT ON IT.

Mr.D Wednesday, 31 March 2021 01:10 PM

They gave the Covid19 to the world and now giving vaccine for it.. We will ever be receivers only

RoaringCreek Wednesday, 31 March 2021 01:14 PM

First it was sub standard or tainted sugar and now an untested and unapproved vaccine. This is what happens in underdeveloped or poor countries. The famous saying " Beggars can not be choose". It is time Nandasena tells the country this bere fact.

RoaringCreek Wednesday, 31 March 2021 01:20 PM

Where are the standards and rules. This vaccine in not approved by Sri Lanka heath authorities, never mind who. To me this is blackmail for the favours done in Geneva. We the citizens will have to carry this burden and risk. Most opposition MPs so not understand this and this is the result.

'aluth avurudhu' mung kyum Wednesday, 31 March 2021 01:26 PM

honestly...is it sooo important that 'sarr' himsel and so many ministers go on a trip to the airport just for this?? todays parliament sessions could've been held at the airport !! what a waste of time it is to be in debt. මෙහෙම යමු...

Lal Wednesday, 31 March 2021 01:43 PM

Big issue what a drama and expenses. God god god

Api Fail Wednesday, 31 March 2021 01:57 PM

Is this a gift By the Chinese govt for the Chinese citizens living in Sri Lanka as Sri Lankans cannot get it until the Authority in charge approves it for Sri Lankan use? In which case the publicity of accepting their gift for themselves and giving false hope to Sri Lankans is deplorable politics.

dillan Wednesday, 31 March 2021 02:02 PM

SRILANKAN LEADERS SHOULD GET THIS ONE

Morris Wednesday, 31 March 2021 02:09 PM

Thank you

Dee Wednesday, 31 March 2021 02:32 PM

6.9 million fighting to get it!

Jaya Wednesday, 31 March 2021 04:18 PM

Thank you China.You are always with us at the hour of need

vithura Wednesday, 31 March 2021 04:26 PM

But are there any takers?

Nancy Wednesday, 31 March 2021 04:32 PM

Sir fail,

Truth Wednesday, 31 March 2021 04:40 PM

Planning to test the effectiveness of the Vaccine?

nihal jayaweera Wednesday, 31 March 2021 07:07 PM

what did USA do ........... lecturing democarrr...azy nj

Sathish Seevaratnam Wednesday, 31 March 2021 08:17 PM

When they can't sell they donate and do human trials to get more data.

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600,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines arrive in Sri Lanka

Comments - 20

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