The first batch of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines were expected to arrive in the country last night. According to Pharmaceutical Production, Supply and Regulation State Minister Channa Jayasumana, the batch will consist of 15,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine.
Sri Lanka has ordered a total of 13 million doses of the vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Russia, at $ 9.95 per dose. In early April, Cabinet approval was given for the purchase of six million doses, which was in addition to the seven million doses approved for purchase on 23 March.
The vaccine can be used in the country’s immunisation efforts as it has received approval for emergency use in Sri Lanka from the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). The vaccine is said to have over 91.6% efficacy and has been approved in 64 countries.
(FT)