Karu thanks countries for intervening to save Sri Lankans from COVID

Saturday, 12 June 2021 00:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Chairman Karu Jayasuriya in a statement extended NMSJ’s gratitude to the Government and the people of Switzerland for donating humanitarian aid including medical examination materials to Sri Lanka at a time when the country is facing an immense challenge due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement said the Federal Republic of Germany had also released 30 million vaccines to be used by eligible countries, including Sri Lanka, two days after NMSJ’s request.

“We have also been informed by the German Chancellor regarding their decision to release the vaccines. We are indeed grateful for Switzerland, France and Japan who have looked into the possibility of providing 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine as per our request. We appreciate the commitment of all these countries to support Sri Lanka and the love they have shown to the Sri Lankan people,” the statement added.

Jayasuriya said Sri Lanka would receive a minimum quantity of 265,000 vaccines which includes a gift from friendly countries via ‘Covax’ facility and the grant from Japan.

“We would also like to extend our gratitude to the World Health Organisation (WHO) for its support and encouragement and to the respective nations and their people who have supported us during this difficult time,” it said.

Jayasuriya also said NMSJ was grateful for the support extended by the resident ambassadors and high commissioners of these countries. NMSJ also extended its gratitude to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka for their support.

“We are hopeful that the Government will formulate and execute an efficient inoculation drive after receiving these vaccines,” Jayasuriya said.