We are at India’s mercy : Dr. Fernandopulle
Posted on April 2nd, 2021

Courtesy Ceylon Today

State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control, Sudarshini Fernandopulle speaking to Ceylon Today stated that Sri Lanka’s inoculation program has been temporarily suspended due to  lack of COVISHIELD Vaccine stocks.

When inquired further, Minister Fernandopulle stated that the Ministry of Health is in possession of only 264,000 doses of the vaccine, and therefore it has been decided to suspend the administration of the vaccine till 19 April, despite promises made that at least 20% of the population will be vaccinated. 

The second dose of jabs is scheduled to begin on 19 April, as per a statement previously made by Chief Epidemiologist of the Epidemiology Unit Dr. Sudath Samaraweera.

Speaking about the vaccines that were due to arrive from the Serum Institute of India (SII), the State Minister explained that due to the dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 patients in India, they have decided to prioritize their own population. 

Following this rapid increase, Sri Lanka’s requests for additional stocks of vaccines have remained unheard, she said, adding that it cannot be expected for the consignment to arrive as promised.

“We are at their mercy”, she said.

Moreover, with relation to Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, Minister Fernandopulle stated that as per the requests that have been made thus far, and the discussions that have followed, doses of the Sputnik V vaccine are due to arrive in Sri Lanka in May.

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