Dinesh: Sri Lanka has a long history of successful vaccination programs

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has a long history of successful vaccination programs, said Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

He made a statement at the 31st Special Session of the UN General Assembly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When introducing the COVID-19 vaccination program, the government ensures that public confidence is maintained,” said the minister.

“Sri Lanka is already included in the COVAX facility for COVID-19 vaccination. For the implementation of a more safe vaccine program in liaison with the WHO, a coordination committee consisted of highest level experts at the Ministry of Health has been appointed. Following the discussions with WHO, UNICEF, ADB and World Bank the government has been able to secure funds for improvement and procurement of equipments for the maintenance of vaccine cold-chains,” said Gunawardena.

The minister added: “As this virus transcends all national boundaries, the role of the United Nations is pivotally felt today. Sri Lanka reiterates the call of the UN Secretary General to make the COVID-19 vaccine a global public good – free and accessible to all. The UN needs to mobilize all resources and partners to this end, without any exception.”