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SL receives second batch of cold chain equipment funded by Japan
The Ministry of Health has received the second batch of cold chain equipment procured by UNICEF with funding from the Government of Japan to strengthen Sri Lanka’s delivery of immunisation services, including against COVID-19.
The first batch of 500 vaccine carriers were handed over to the Ministry of Health in April, 2021. The following is the text of the Japanese Embassy statement:
“The second batch includes 750 vaccine carriers, 300 cold boxes, 100 Ice-Lined Refrigerators (ILRs), 145 fridge temperature monitors and Android Tablets for effective management of vaccines. These cold chain equipment are indispensable to keep vaccines at the required storage condition, including temperature, to maintain the vaccine’s quality and effectiveness.
The items were handed over today to the Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Sugiyama Akira, and Representative, UNICEF Sri Lanka Christian Skoog.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Minister Rambukwella said “Immunisation is a key pillar of the healthcare system in Sri Lanka to protect our people from vaccine preventable diseases. These equipment from the Government of Japan are a crucial input to strengthen the delivery of vaccinations. The Government of Japan is a long-standing partner of the people and Government of Sri Lanka and I want to acknowledge the support and collaboration over the years. I want to also recognise the crucial role of UNICEF in supporting the immunization system in Sri Lanka, including procurement of such critical supplies.”
Ambassador SUGIYAMA noted “The Government of Japan believes that the cold chain equipment provided today will be of great help to ensure safe and prompt distribution of vaccines to the people of Sri Lanka through adequate storage and transportation of vaccines. Further to this, Japan has provided approximately 1.45 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines manufactured in Japan to Sri Lanka through the COVAX Facility with the support of UNICEF. We believe that the provision of vaccines and cold chain equipment will further accelerate the vaccination programme in Sri Lanka and contribute to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.”
Sri Lanka is currently rolling out vaccinations against COVID-19 for priority populations, in line with the National Vaccine Deployment Plan of the Ministry of Health (MOH).
“The cold chain system is the backbone of a strong immunization system. Such is the importance of the equipment that the Government of Japan has provided to the people of Sri Lanka” said Mr. Skoog. “UNICEF, together with partners will continue to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the overall immunization capacity, including to receive, store and implement vaccinations not only against COVID-19 but also other vaccine preventable diseases. It is critical that children continue to have access to existing vaccinations to prevent other disease outbreaks alongside the COVID-19 pandemic”, Mr. Skoog added.
News
“Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” by Mahinda Siriwardana presented to the President
The book “Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” ,authored by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana, was officially launched this morning (08) at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, with the participation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
The first copy of the publication was formally presented to President Disanayake by Mr. Siriwardana during the event.
It has been reported that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias ‘Pilleyan’ has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and senior officials of SriLankan Airlines was held this afternoon (April 8) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The discussions mainly focused on proposals to transform SriLankan Airlines into a more profitable state-owned enterprise. Special attention was also given to possible short-term and long-term solutions for the airline’s debt management.
The talks further explored new investment opportunities for the airline. The President instructed the officials to take all necessary steps to transform SriLankan Airlines into a profit-making entity.
Although the airline has recorded operational profits, due to past mismanagement and poor decision-making, it remains one of the leading loss-making state enterprises. The current government has decided to reverse the previous administration’s decision to privatize the airline. Instead, it plans to continue operating it as the national carrier while introducing a new management structure to ensure its profitability moving forward.
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, President’s Senior Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines Sarath Ganegoda along with several senior officials of SriLankan Airlines, were present at the meeting.
“Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” by Mahinda Siriwardana presented to the President
Former state minister arrested by CID
President meets with senior officials of SriLankan Airlines
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