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Sinopharm best for kids – Prof. Vitharana

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AstraZeneca or Sputnik too would work

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Vaccines that use inactivated coronavirus such as Sinopharm are the best vaccine to inoculate children with, Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) and virology expert, Prof. Tissa Vitharana says.

The world has a lot of experience as regards inactivated vaccines, Prof. Vitharana has said, adding that vaccines that use the fully inactivated virus could provide better overall protection.

Commenting on the demands from certain quarters that children be inoculated with the Pfizer vaccine,

Prof. Vitharana has said that mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna, designed to trigger an immune response to the virus’s spike protein, inserts genetic material into our body.

“These genes interact with genes in our bodies. We can’t guess what the outcome of these interactions may be, especially in kids whose bodies are undergoing changes. So, I think a vaccine like Sinopharm is best for kids. Even AstraZeneca or Sputnik will work in my opinion,” he says.

Prof. Vitharana has said that about 10-12 countries have started vaccinating children and mRNA vaccines are used in some countries because they are manufactured by the US. However, before administering the vaccines to children, the government must first conduct a pilot programme.

“We can’t reopen schools now because every school child must be vaccinated. However, we should not be in a hurry. We must first do a pilot project with a random sample encompassing different groups, after looking at the data. We should see if antibodies and formed and if there are any side-effects. My opinion is based on the scientific method and I think Sinopharm is the best for children,” he said.

Prof. Vitharana says that vaccinating everyone in the country is crucial to overcome the pandemic and over 85% of the people who have died from COVID have not been vaccinated. Therefore, vaccinating children above five years is vital before opening schools, he said.

Prof. Vitharana has a Diploma in Bacteriology from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and a Ph.D. in virology from the University of London. He headed the Medical Research Institute (MRI) between 1983 and 1994. Vitharana was also a consultant virologist at the Edinburgh City Hospital’s Regional Virus Laboratory and deputy director of the Victoria Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory in Melbourne.



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Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura

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The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early warnings to the Districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 1600hrs on 13th June 2026 till 1600hrs on 14th June 2026.

Accordingly,

LEVEL I (YELLOW) landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surounding areas of Palindanuwara and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district,  Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya and Ayagama, Pelmadulla,
Godakawela, Elapatha, Kalawana, Ratnapura and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura district.

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INS Sharda departs Colombo concluding replenishment visit

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The Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Sharda’ departed the island today (13 Jun 26), concluding her replenishment purposes.

On departure  the vessel was accorded a traditional naval farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo.

The visit also paved the way for vibrant personnel interactions, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. The crew of INS Sharda and personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy participated in a
friendly volleyball match and a joint yoga session. A

dditionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the Indian naval vessel, while the visiting crew took time to explore several culturally significant landmarks across the island.

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Special Dengue Prevention Week declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21

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A decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease in the Colombo District.

This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held on Friday  (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.

Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.

It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.

The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.

The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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