Govt. slammed for delaying vaccine procurement

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's main focus is on vaccination and all possible avenues are being explored to secure the vaccine, said Education Minister, Professor G. L. Peiris, on Monday (17).

"We are discussing terms with the respective governments and suppliers," he told reporters.

However, the Sri Lankan Government has come under fire for failing to procure vaccines on time, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Venerable Pahiyangala Anandasagara Thero, the Chairperson of the Surakimu Sri Lanka Movement said when the country experienced the second wave, it did not have any intention of securing vaccines, instead, the government was more focused on the passage of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution.

The government's delay in procuring the vaccines had resulted in a situation where people are fighting over vaccines in the streets, said the Venerable Thero.

The Government Nursing Officers Association said it warned the government in August 2020 to ensure measures are taken to procure the vaccines, however, the government did not take it seriously.

The President of the Government Nursing Officers Association Saman Ratnapirya speaking to reporters said many countries possess an excess of vaccines because they procured the vaccines early.

"The government can only dream that they were the best to control the spread of COVID-19, but in reality, they are calling for donors to step forward," alleged Ratnapriya.

Sri Lanka's Deputy Director-General of Public Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath however said it that is not possible to order vaccines before they are manufactured.

"After a vaccine is produced it needs to undergo a series of tests," he said.