$80.5m additional WB financing for Sri Lanka vaccine drive

The government of Sri Lanka and the World Bank have signed a $80.5 million additional financing to help Sri Lanka access and distribute COVID-19 vaccines and to strengthen the country’s vaccination system and pandemic response.

The agreement was signed by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Sajith Attygalle on behalf of the Government and World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka Faris Hadad-Zervos on behalf of the World Bank.

“Solidarity and support of all stakeholders is key to fight this pandemic,” said World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka Faris Hadad-Zervos.

“The World Bank remains responsive to the health priorities and emergency needs of Sri Lanka. Effective deployment of the vaccines will help Sri Lanka protect people, build human capital and facilitate inclusive economic recovery.”

The second additional financing to the COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Project is to purchase and deploy safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines that meet the World Bank’s Vaccine Approval Criteria, to strengthen relevant health systems that are necessary for successful deployment, and to prepare for the future.

“The government of Sri Lanka is committed to protecting the population from the impacts of the pandemic, and we have placed high priority on strengthening and expanding the COVID-19 vaccination program,” said Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.

“This useful and timely resource will help us to ensure equitable vaccine deployment among the eligible population of Sri Lanka,” the Minister said.

The COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Project with a total of $298.07 million has contributed to Sri Lanka’s pandemic management and prevention efforts.

Project funds have contributed to the provision of essential work, goods, services and consultancies for emergency pandemic management and prevention activities, including the procurement of medical and surgical consumables.