Sri Lanka Ambassador in China Dr. Palitha Kohona (second from right) being briefed by an official of Beijing Institute of Biological Products during the visit 

Sri Lanka has renewed its request to Sinopharm to set up a COVID-19 vaccine refilling plant and enjoy wider access to the South Asian market.

The request was made by Sri Lanka Ambassador in China Dr. Palitha Kohona, who together with Embassy officials, visited Sinopharm’s Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co. Ltd. (CNBG) on 23 September.

“During the visit, the Ambassador reiterated the advantage of establishing a COVID-19 vaccine refilling plant in Sri Lanka. He emphasised the local market opportunities and wider market access in the region. The Sinopharm management responded positively,” a statement from the Foreign Ministry said.

It said previously, on 7 September, the Ambassador visited Sinopharm and handed over a letter from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to the company’s Chairman Liu Jingzhen.

Ambassador Kohona expressed his gratitude to Sinopharm for supplying 23 million doses of vaccine to Sri Lanka on commercial terms.

The delegation was also briefed on the gradual progress of the CNBG from its commencement in 1919 to its current cutting-edge facility.

Sinopharm HQ Vice President Shi Shengyi, Biological Products Division President Zhu Jingjin, and International Division Vice President Yan Bing welcomed the Ambassador and escorted the delegation on a tour of the massive facility. The Ambassador visited the central control room and the vaccine production plant capable of producing five billion doses per year. 

China administers 2.191 b vaccine doses