WHO to provide vaccines to 27% of SL population

19 February 2021 02:23 pm - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has agreed to increase the percentage of vaccines and most likely would provide at least 27% to us, Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva said today.

The WHO earlier assured Sri Lanka that it would provide vaccines for 20% of the local population free of charge.

In addition to it, China and Russia also agreed to donate vaccines to the local population.

Sri Lanka has also placed a purchase order of 18 million doses from India.

Moreover, Gen. Silva said the Indian Army and Russian military have agreed to provide a number of vaccines to their Sri Lankan counterparts.

Commenting on the vaccination drive, the Army chief said they will not depend on vaccines alone, but precautionary measures would be taken to control the virus.

He said the vaccination drive is being carried out specially in the areas and Grama Niladhari Divisions where the highest cases of infections are being reported.

Also, certain percentage of vaccines are also being given to those who engage in duties close to public such those engage in garbage collection, employees working in supermarkets, courts and port workers in addition to frontline workers.

He also said more than 23,000 such persons have been vaccinated on Thursday.

The Indian government had donated 500,000 Oxford–AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine to Sri Lanka last month and about 250,000 of those vaccines have been administered so far.

Meanwhile, he said more than 96,000 Sri Lankan citizens stranded overseas have been brought back to the country since the COVID-19 virus spread globally.

He said more than 92,000 Sri Lankans were brought by air, while approximately 4,000 Sri Lankans were also brought by sea.

Gen. Silva said 9,475 Sri Lankans are being quarantined at present at several quarantine centres.

He also said the government is repatriating at least 1,000 stranded Lankans daily to the country and more than 1,500 were to arrive from Kuwait, Italy, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia yesterday. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)

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Comments - 16

Peacemaker Friday, 19 February 2021 02:48 PM

so all begging, no money to buy beg from UN, then when UN comes to investigate, talk big

Daniel Friday, 19 February 2021 02:55 PM

With 18 million vaccines government already ordered, we will have more vaccines than our total population. Can we donate (or sell) excess vaccines to other needy countries?

Lankan Friday, 19 February 2021 02:58 PM

You are good enough to take vaccines from them and yet you are not good enough to take their advice on the creamation.. What a hypocracy is this ?

Michael Ranasinghe Friday, 19 February 2021 03:03 PM

What another proud announcement that we are a nation has to beg for FEEE vaccines to protect our people. The joke is even getting something FEEE is given a political spin.

RoaringCreek Friday, 19 February 2021 03:11 PM

Aiyo, a national calamity and waiting for " SUMMA" contributions. When the 500,000 is dwindle, a heap and excuses to keep the public happy.

RoaringCreek Friday, 19 February 2021 03:13 PM

The acting minister says that 18 million doses have been approved and a order has been placed. This man's statement does not mention. Who is fooling whom.

Nimal Perera Friday, 19 February 2021 03:37 PM

Who says we are independent nation....we are depending on India,China, America, UK, EU, etc

Ama Friday, 19 February 2021 07:12 PM

@ Daniel: Each person who gets AstraZeneca jab requires 2 doses. So, 18 million/2= 9 million people.

Buddhist Friday, 19 February 2021 10:43 PM

How many of these vaccines will be taken up by the MPs, Security Forces and their families before the civilians are vaccinated? Shame!

Ranaweera Saturday, 20 February 2021 01:09 AM

Unbelievable bunch of negative people here commenting good work being done. Jealous mindedness.

Nevergetpublished Saturday, 20 February 2021 04:42 AM

@Buddhist don't forget the massive army of Monks. So used to getting to live free, without working or contributing any value to society.

Punchi Banda Saturday, 20 February 2021 06:11 AM

WHO is funded by mainly rich Christian countries. These Christians that developed the effective vaccines not the Chinese imitation - the Buddhist have been attacking their churches and their fellow worshippers in Sri Lanka. Yes we have a beggar dependent mentality but it is also an ungrateful mentality

Kumarasingham Saturday, 20 February 2021 08:12 AM

Why a Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva is getting involved in vaccination it should be the Health Minister . Is Sri Lanka Under Military Control ?????, My understanding in a Democratic Country military's is to protect the country .

Ranaweera Saturday, 20 February 2021 08:12 AM

Those who say we should not get it free are probably those who thought that they could make some bucks out of vaccine imports. I think they should avoid getting the vaccine.

Antony Jude Saturday, 20 February 2021 11:36 AM

Why Shavendra Silva is getting involved in the vaccination process??? Health sectors should handle that part. We are trying to get everything free of charge from abroad, but end of the day our corrupted politicians in the government will fill their pockets and go for luxury life.

vithura Saturday, 20 February 2021 08:07 PM

Make sure Sri Lanka is not given Chinese vaccines!

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WHO to provide vaccines to 27% of SL population

Comments - 16

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