3 June 2021 05:35 pm
The COVID-19 vaccines delivered to Sri Lanka from certain countries were through diplomatic approach and discussions with the vaccine manufacturing countries, not because the Government has money, Community Police Services State Minister Dilum Amunugama said.
Addressing the media in Kandy after visiting 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 is a huge vaccine shortage prevails in the world. Every country wants to have sufficient vaccines for its use.
"Money alone does not play a major role here, the real issue is to get the required quantity of vaccines. Having necessary funds in hand, anyone can buy vaccines. Even the Government might have asked the private sector to import vaccines," he said.
There are no vaccines available in the global market, the State Minister said.
However, the country will get them through the diplomatic approach and relevant discussions with the vaccine manufacturing nations.
Minister Amunugama also mentioned that the current government has no qualms about getting COVID vaccines for people from those who swollowed cyanide.
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Spokesman and Parliamentarian President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran told the Government on May 31 that they are willing to collect funds and provide Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing machines and COVID-19 vaccines for the Eastern Province as well as other provinces if the Government is unable to do so. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)