Prez urges world to support vaccination drive of less wealthy nations amid Omicron scare

4 December 2021 11:42 pm - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Underlining the threat posed by the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday called upon nations that have the wherewithal to support the vaccination drive of less wealthy countries more effectively.

Speaking at the 5th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), Rajapaksa said, "We greatly appreciate the generosity of India, China, US and Japan, all of whom donated vaccines to us either directly or through COVAX which augmented the larger quantity Sri Lanka purchased from manufacturers on commercial terms.""At the same time, it is a matter of concern that the relatively slow rollout of the vaccines in some parts of the world has resulted in the emergence of a potentially devastating new variant of the virus that needs to be carefully monitored," he added.

Rajapaksa warned that if existing vaccines are less effective against this new Omicron variant, the world may soon return to square one, adding that "border closure and other restrictions including lockdown imposed once again with potentially catastrophic consequences.""I, therefore, call upon nations that have the wherewithal to support the vaccination drive of less wealthy countries more effectively. The COVID-19 pandemic will not end until everyone, everywhere is inoculated against the virus," he said.

During his address, Rajapaksa also appreciated the cooperation between nations in the early stages of the pandemic including sharing data and technical expertise and supporting capacity building in the healthcare system and financial assistance.

He said the Indian Ocean Conference provides an invaluable opportunity for countries in the region as well as our partners to deliberate on critical issues affecting the world.

The theme of this year's conference centres on three topics -- Ecology, Economy and Epidemic. (ANI)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 20

70 Years of Independence Saturday, 04 December 2021 11:51 PM

How embarrassing.. advertising the begging bowl to the world. Doesn’t anyone advise our ministers on optics?

Tyrrel Ignatius Sunday, 05 December 2021 02:09 AM

BEGGING WOW ? THEN WHY NOT YOU GIVE THE VACCINE FREE. ITS RESPECTABLE TO TELL THE TRUTH AND GET WHAT WE DONT HAVE. Go beg your life if not for the asking u will get COVIED and face the music soon ok.

Kikazaru Sunday, 05 December 2021 12:21 AM

The international experts are still studying the Omicron variant. There has been no reports of severe complications up to now. Now think the mutation may have made the virus less dangerous. The vaccine vendors are studying the behaviour of the mutation. Our jokers talk with no substance.

Ralaharamy Sunday, 05 December 2021 06:19 AM

We loyally followed the Mutti Devi and the Penny Sumane! They are still on the public payroll. What more can expect from the leaders and sheepish followers?

selvakumar Sunday, 05 December 2021 06:57 AM

may slide different from Omicron variant from other virus.., still dangerous!!!!

Fr Sunday, 05 December 2021 08:11 AM

There's no proof new varaint is dangerous or mild....it can be anything....and it can mutate further..you should not be carefree. Being alert is good...it might be possible that cause of vaccines effect mild

selvakumar Sunday, 05 December 2021 08:42 AM

Where is origin from new virus??, because it corona vaccines will be given answer??

German Sunday, 05 December 2021 01:09 AM

Can you give us the security that it will be used for the elderly, vulnerable etc. first?

Ramboda nimal silva Sunday, 05 December 2021 01:40 AM

Bigger leading other beggers to ask for more!. Why doesn't this beggar give up his ill gotten wealth?

Mahila Sunday, 05 December 2021 01:53 AM

They want to be the first to pronounce it at the podium! They never want to miss that opportunity. Mamai Aththa Kathawa Mulimma Kievay! More intelligent than others!!

Nayanthara Sunday, 05 December 2021 06:22 AM

What a humble president we have. Not the Defense Sec we once knew.

Medamulane Meraya Sunday, 05 December 2021 06:39 AM

An utter , miserable failure in politics throwing his two cents to prove I AM THE ONE WHO DID THE BEST . ( Mama thamai hondatama kare (keliye) .

Chux Sunday, 05 December 2021 07:20 AM

How the hell he speaks like this vaccination here are utter corrupt affair with so much of public finds gone in to Miniters pockets

Chris Sunday, 05 December 2021 07:36 AM

I am sure the world will listen to him.

Borat Sunday, 05 December 2021 08:21 AM

We are poor because of scoundrels like your family . So look inwards snd flush out stolen money. World don’t need to help those who help themselves (with stealing every $)they get. Not like China who aids and abets stealing

Maxi Sunday, 05 December 2021 08:54 AM

In Sri Lanka the wealthy and those with connections get vaccinated one way or another!!!

Seqi Sunday, 05 December 2021 11:55 AM

There's a twist in his every word. "Please Sir, can I have some more"

Gee Sunday, 05 December 2021 12:03 PM

Luckily omicron variant is far less deadly than delta so no cause for concern

Somali Sunday, 05 December 2021 12:04 PM

Sri Lanka is neither a less wealthy nor a developing nation. It is a poor nation.

Kamal Sunday, 05 December 2021 12:06 PM

Muslim no revenge. Honorable think past two years what you are all done for the minority. Respect for the all religions

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Prez urges world to support vaccination drive of less wealthy nations amid Omicron scare

Comments - 20

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Train fails to halt, crashes onto Colombo Fort platform

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

SL took minimal steps to punish officials who committed human rights abuses: US report

Iranian President’s visit Sri Lanka withstands western pressure

25 tons of solid waste disposed along Sri Pada route

Temperature rises to ‘Caution’ level

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident

Indian cricket manager indicted for Legend Cricket League match-fixing allegations