The Government of Sri Lanka and the World Bank on Thursday (May 13) signed a USD 80.5 million additional financing to help Sri Lanka access and distribute COVID-19 vaccines and to strengthen the country’s vaccination system and pandemic response. 

Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Sajith Attygalle signed on behalf of the Government and Faris World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka Hadad-Zervos signed on behalf of the World Bank.

“Solidarity and support of all stakeholders is key to fight this pandemic,” said Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka. “The World Bank remains responsive to the health priorities of Sri Lanka as well as emergency needs. Effective deployment of the vaccines will help Sri Lanka protect people, build human capital and facilitate inclusive economic recovery”

The second additional financing to the COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Project is to purchase and deploy safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines that meet the World Bank’s Vaccine Approval Criteria, to strengthen relevant health systems that are necessary for successful deployment, and to prepare for the future. 

“The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to protecting our population from the impacts of the pandemic, and we have placed high priority on strengthening and expanding the COVID-19 vaccination programme” said Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi. “This useful and timely resource will help us to ensure equitable vaccine deployment among the eligible population of Sri Lanka.”

The COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Project with a total of $298.07 million has contributed to Sri Lanka’s pandemic management and prevention efforts.

Project funds have contributed to the provision of essential works, goods, services and consultancies for emergency pandemic management and prevention activities, including the procurement of medical and surgical consumables.

-World Bank