Booster dose to be made mandatory when visiting public places: Minister

Booster dose will also be made mandatory to access public spaces in addition to first and second doses, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.  

During a meeting held at the Health Ministry, Minister Rambukwella stated that a new vaccine card with a QR code and a vaccination app would be introduced soon.  

"Thereby, three doses of a COVID vaccine would be made compulsory for people when entering public places," he added.  

Meanwhile, Minister Rambukwella said plans are afoot to turn all local government bodies in the country into vaccination centres to expedite booster rollout.  

"Relevant officials have been instructed to add more vaccine centres to administer booster to the eligible persons," he said. 

"So far, 28% of total population has received their booster dose and we hope to bring that percentage to a greater level before the end of this month," the Minister added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)