Discussions underway to procure COVID-19 vaccine to SL

COLOMBO(News 1st): Discussions are currently underway between Sri Lankan officials and the World Health Organization (WHO) on the procurement of a COVID-19 vaccine to Sri Lanka. The discussions are being conducted by Adviser to the President Lalith Weerathunga, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, and State Minister of Production, Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana. ''We are exploring all options", Lalith Weerathunga said, including the possibility of a government to government donation. Discussions with India to obtain the AstraZeneca vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford, is currently at a very preliminary stage, the advisor to the President said. "India's initial plan is to provide vaccines to 300 million Indians. So if that is the case, I'm sure India will also be able to help us, free of charge or at a concessionary cost", he added. Clinical trials of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine in India are currently in their third stage.