Ruling party MP Premanath C. Dolawatta has called on the Government to introduce a special programme to provide the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to youth in the Colombo District who are aspiring to travel overseas.
Addressing Parliament yesterday, the Parliamentarian suggested that a special programme be introduced to provide the Pfizer vaccine to youths between the ages of 20-30 in the Colombo District who are looking to travel overseas for education or employment.
MP Dolawatta pointed out that the percentage of youth who have obtained the highest Z-score for University entrance has been reported from the Colombo District.
While commending the Government’s decision to provide the Pfizer vaccine to youth in the Hambantota District, the Parliamentarian said the vaccine must be distributed to other districts as well, with priority being given to the Colombo District.
Responding to the comments, State Minister Professor Channa Jayasumana said that Sri Lanka is receiving only small quantities of the Pfizer vaccine at present.
Stating that the manufacturer is currently providing only 100,000 doses per week, he said initially Sri Lanka was expected to receive four million doses by October.
Professor Channa Jayasumana further revealed that the task of vaccinating youth aspiring to migrate could be expanded in the future.
Commenting on the ongoing vaccination drive, he said the Government would complete the inoculation of those between the age groups of 20-30 within six weeks.
He added that the inoculation of those between 20 to 30 has reached the final stage. (NewsWire)