Preliminary discussions were held in Colombo for the setting up of a plant to manufacture the Chinese Sinovac COVID vaccines in Sri Lanka.
Justice Minister Ali Sabry PC told the Daily News that initial discussions were held on Tuesday at his Ministry to plan out the legal framework needed for the establishment of a manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka.
The focus of the discussions was on the legal status of vaccination in Sri Lanka and the production of vaccines in Sri Lanka, where it was decided that the production of vaccines is the best solution to end and control the pandemic successfully since there is a huge demand in the world for such vaccines on a daily basis.
It was also felt that there is an urgent need for the manufacture of these vaccines because of the rising prices of vaccines in all parts of the world.
It was pointed out that the country has the potential to produce six million vaccines by August through domestic production and seven million vaccines by September. It was stated that a significant percentage of the country’s population could be vaccinated and that it would be a great help in controlling the epidemic, the minister added.
Those attended the talks at the meeting held under chairmanship of the Justice Minister on Tuesday were, State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana, Sri Lanka Pharmceuticals Corporation Chairman Dr.Prasanna Gunasena, State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation Chairman Dr. Uthpala Indrawansha, Justice Ministry Secretary M.M.P.K.Mayadunne, Drug Production, Supply and Regulation State Ministry Secretary Dr.Saman Ratnayake, National Medicines Regulatory Authority Chairman Dr. Rasitha Wijewantha and officials representing the Attorney General’s Department, Justice Ministry, the Legal Draftsman’s Department and from the State Pharmaceutical Corporation were present.
