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Research finds that total antibodies of those inoculated with Sinopharm declined after 12 weeks from 2nd dose

Published

5 years ago

2021/10/22

However memory T-cell and B-cell responses persisted

A study conducted by Sri Jayewardenepura University researchers found that while the SARS-CoV-2 specific total antibodies of those inoculated with Sinopharm declined after 12 weeks from the second dose, the memory T cell and B cell responses persisted.

Given below is the press release issued by the University pertaining to the study: “The Sinopharm is an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, which is currently given emergency use authorization by the WHO and is the main vaccine used in many Asian and Middle East Countries. A new study was carried out to determine the kinetics and persistence of immune responses following the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV, by investigating the immune responses in a cohort of Sri Lankan individuals.

“Antibody responses declined in all age groups, especially in those who are more than 60 years after 12 weeks from the second dose, while T cell responses persisted.” Said Prof. Neelika Malavige, Head, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

“USJ researchers including Prof. Neelika Malavige and Dr. Chandima Jeewandara from Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of the University have been studying immune responses to different types of COVID-19 vaccines used in Sri Lanka.

“Results of the current research show that while the SARS-CoV-2 specific total antibodies, and especially neutralizing antibodies and antibodies to the receptor binding domain significantly declined, the memory T cell and B cell responses persisted.

“Since the ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies (neutralizing antibodies that associate with protection) was shown to significantly decline in all age groups and especially in the elderly, it is important to carry out long term efficacy studies to assess the waning of immunity on hospitalization and severe disease in order to decide on booster doses in different populations.” said Prof. Malavige.”

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Members of Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee Officially Appointed

Published

13 mins ago

2026/05/5

Priyan

The official appointment letters for the members of the newly established “Cricket Transformation Committee” (CTC) were handed over on Monday (04) by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.

The following members received their letters of appointment at the Ministry premises:

Sidath Wettimuny
Thushira Radella
Prakash Schaffter
Ms. Avanthi Colombage

The Ministry also noted that veteran cricketers Roshan Mahanama and Kumar Sangakkara, who are key members of the committee, are currently overseas. Their official appointments will be formalised immediately upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.

The Cricket Transformation Committee has been mandated to oversee the administration and drive structural reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister under the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.

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Three prison guards arrested following the death of an inmate

Published

54 mins ago

2026/05/5

Priyan

(File pic)

Three prison guards attached to the Welikada Prison have been arrested by Borella Police following the death of an inmate on Monday (04).

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CJ urged to inquire into AKD’s remarks on May 25 court verdict

Published

5 hours ago

2026/05/5

Sahan Weerasooriya

CJ Surasena

‘Bar Association must reveal its stand’

Civil society group ‘Free Lawyers’ has requested Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena to probe whether political pressure was brought on a Magistrate, or a High Court Judge, in respect of an ongoing high profile case.

Speaking to The Island on behalf of ‘Free Lawyers,’ Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon said that they felt the urgent need to seek the CJ’s intervention, following the May Day declaration by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that the verdict of a case that was heard on 30 April would be given on 25 May. Tennakoon said that addressing the NPP’s main May Day rally at Maharagama, the President asked the people to be ready to celebrate that verdict. The President couldn’t have said so if he hadn’t been aware of the impending verdict, Tennakoon said, while emphasising the responsibility on the part of the Bar Association to state its position on the issue.

‘Free Lawyers’ recently captured pubic attention following its exposure of the theft of USD 2.5 mn from the Treasury.

Responding to a query, Tennakoon said that on behalf of ‘Free Lawyers,’ Maithri Gunaratne, PC, on Monday, 4 April, wrote to both CJ Surasena and President of the Bar Association Rajeev Amarasuriya.

Alleging that President Dissanayake’s declaration caused immense harm to the independence of the judiciary and raised controversy over the judgement that would be given on 25 May, ‘Free Lawyers’ organisation also asked the CJ to inquire into whether the entire judicial process was under political pressure.

Tennakoon said that they expect the Bar Association to reveal its position on President Dissanayake’s statement. Tennakoon pointed out that during the May Day address, President Dissanayake made reference to 15 cases that were to be taken up during this month, whereas Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister, as well as Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake, mentioned nearly 10 names of politicians, both sitting and former lawmakers, to be summoned beginning, May.

Tennakoon said that the NPP appeared to have used May Day to counter growing accusations over the Colombo port container controversy, coal scam, Rs 13.2 bn NDB fraud and theft of USD 2.5 mn from the Treasury and USD 625,000 from the Sri Lanka Postal Service.

By Shamindra Ferdinando