Sri Lanka express interests to access Indian made COVID-19 vaccines

Sri Lanka expressed interests to access the Indian made COVID-19 vaccines and a formal request was made to the visiting Indian External Affairs Minister today.  

“We are now looking at post-Covid cooperation and I carry back with me Sri Lanka’s interest in accessing vaccines from India.” India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar said during a joint press conference today along with his Sri Lankan counterpart Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. 

Stressing that Covid has given an opportunity to collaborate even more closely. Indian Minister Dr Jaishankar said that reflecting our Neighbourhood First policy, India has supported Sri Lanka’s efforts to tackle Covid through timely medical assistance. “I should also place on record my appreciation to the Sri Lankan Government for its assistance and facilitation in evacuation of Indian nationals who were stuck here. We are now looking at post-Covid cooperation and I carry back with me Sri Lanka’s interest in accessing vaccines from India.”

Dr Jaishankar also pointed out that right now, India and Sri Lanka both face the immediate challenge of post-Covid recovery while indicating that this is not just a public health issue but equally, a crisis of the economy.

"Where India is concerned, you are aware that our Covid numbers have come down sharply and the prospect of mass vaccination is in sight. The Indian economy has also shown strong signs of recovery in the last few months. We are very confident that this will be full-blown by the next quarter. These developments will obviously have a positive impact on Sri Lanka. At the same time, there are specific challenges that need addressing, whether it is in finance or in trade. My visit is aimed at facilitating that process.” he said.