A campaign launched by the ‘anti-Chinese’ elements delayed the Sinopharm vaccine being administered to the people here, Indigenous Medicine Promotion, Rural and Ayurveda Hospitals Development and Community Health State Minister, Prof. Channa Jayasumana said.
He said that several parties with vested interests voiced opinion against the administration of the Chinese made anti-COVID-19 vaccine to achieve their political agendas.
“This is the reason behind the delay in administering this vaccine for Sri Lankans,” he said.
The State Minister stated this addressing media in Anuradhapura on Saturday.
He said that the World Health Organization gave emergency approval for the Sinopharm vaccine following a request made by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to the World Health Organization.
The Chinese government donated 600,000 vaccines to the country on a request of the President and the vaccine was innoculated to 5,000 Chinese nationals working in the country, he said
He said that Health authorities began administering the Sinopharm vaccine for Sri Lankans on Saturday. “We are grateful to the Chinese Ambassador in Colombo and also the Chinese government,” Prof. Jayasumana said.
“Sri Lanka needs only 22,000 liters of liquid oxygen. But, two companies are currently manufacturing 80,000 liters of liquid oxygen”, the State Minister said.
The State Minister further added that the health authorities have already prepared a program to protect the pregnant mothers from the COVID-19 risks.
