COLOMBO – Effective 9:00 a.m. Monday (6) Sri Lanka will commence vaccinating those between the ages 20-29 residing in the Colombo, Gampaha, Kaluthara and Galle districts.
A statement from the Department of Government Information, quoting Army Commander General Shavendra Silva who also heads the COVID-19 Task Force, said vaccination centres will operate at the Viharamaha Devi Park, Diyatha Uyana, Panagod Army Camp and the Amy Medical Corps Headquarters, Werahera, in addition to the existing centres in the Colombo district.
Meanwhile, the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) said it will be rolling out its vaccination program for the under 30 age group who are residents of Colombo 1-15.
Dr. Dinu Guruge, Regional Epidemiologist of the Colombo Municipal Council, in a couple of tweets said the Sinopharm vaccine will be administered at the Sugathadasa Stadium (walk-in), Ginthupitiya MOH office (walk-in), Forbes Road Community Hall (walk-in and e-channelling), Campbell Park (walk-in), Shalika Hall (walk-in and e-channelling) and Roxy Gardens (walk-in and e-channelling) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. throughout the week. She also said the vaccine will be administered only to residents (temporary or permanent) of Colombo 1-15 and those born in 2001 and onward, assuring there were enough vaccines and there was no need to panic or overcrowd.
In a related development, the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) opened online vaccination appointments (https://vaccine.covid19.gov.lk) for the 20+ age group residents of the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts.
“ Sinopharm Dose-1 for age 20+ years for Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts by MOH. Conducted by the Provincial Director of Health Services, WP.” ICTA’s Hiranya Samarasekara tweeted, adding that vaccination centres at MOH areas will be strictly for the residents of that area, whereas the vaccination centres at District Hospitals will cater to residents from that district.
Sri Lanka had by Thursday (2) vaccinated, 41.6% of the population with two doses, while another 57.9% had been vaccinated with one dose.
-ENCL