The World Health Organisation (WHO) has decided to provide 20 percent requirement of COVID-19 vaccine to Sri Lanka once developed Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana said.

He said that the Sri Lankan authorities appointed a technical team to identify priority groups to be vaccinated using this quota.

A special discussion took place at the Health Ministry yesterday in this regard with the participation of Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, WHO country representative ‎Dr. Razia Pendse, Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana and key officials of the health sector.

The WHO representative briefed the meeting about the present status of vaccine development against the coronavirus.

“The WHO has committed to fulfill 20 percent of the country’s requirement. It is actually a universal commitment by the WHO. Sri Lanka has formally requested for this quota from the WHO. The WHO will decide whether to provide it free or not depending on the income category of the country concerned,” the minister said.