News
SL receives first batch of COVISHIELD vaccines, courtesy WHO, UNICEF
The first batch of Oxford-AstraZeneca COVISHIELD vaccines, under COVAX Facility of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday morning.
The 264,000 jabs arrived yesterday and they were received at the Katunayake airport by Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID-19 Disease Control Minister Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle. The Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe and UNICEF Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Emma Brigham were also present.
The consignment was transferred to the cold storage facility situated at the Import Cargo yard at the Airport. The State Minister said that the vaccines, manufactured by the Serum Pharmaceutical Factory in Mumbai, India, would be administered to those above the age of 60 from March 8.
Altogether 1.44 million doses will be delivered by the WHO.
After the inoculation, a report would be submitted to the WHO. Following that report, the country would receive the second batch of COVISHIELD vaccines donated by the COVAX Facility, Dr. Fernandopulle said.
The Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri LankaDewi Gustina Tobing, met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, technology, and education, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to fostering diplomatic and economic ties for mutual benefit.
A key area of focus was expanding tourism exchanges, including religious tourism, which holds significant potential for growth.
The two delegations also explored opportunities in trade, particularly the importation of palm oil and the introduction of organic liquid fertilizers to support Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.
Collaboration in the IT industry was highlighted as another promising area of partnership, alongside discussions on integrating electric vehicles into Sri Lanka’s public transport system.
The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sagarika Boghawatta, included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indonesian delegation was represented by Deputy Ambassador . Fiki Oktanioand Minister Counsellor Mrs. Lailal K. Yuniarti.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Matara Magistrate’s Court today [20], ordered that former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon be further remanded until April 03..
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has announced that the upcoming Local Authorities Poll will be held on Tuesday 06th May 2025
The acceptance of nominations for the poll concluded at 12.00 noon today (20).
Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka calls on PM
Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon further remanded until April 03.
Local Authorities poll on 6th May
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