Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi who tested positive for COVID-19 few days ago, was transferred to the National Institute of Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) for further treatment on Thursday evening.
Issuing a statement, Minister Wanniarachchi stated that although she was unable to attend the first vaccination program since she is currently receiving treatment at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Hospital, she expressed her gratitude to the President, State Minister Dr Sudhrashani Fernandopulle, for the political leadership and guidance extended by them to successfully implement this vaccination program.
She further expressed her gratitude to the Indian High Commissioner, Senior Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretaries to the Ministry and the State Ministry, Director General of Health Services and all the other officials who played a key role in this regard.
"With the commencement of this vaccination program, the eradication of the COVID-19 virus in Sri Lanka will be further strengthened," said the Minister of Health.
The Minister further said that the Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccination programme, which commenced at six hospitals in the Western Province will be carried out step by step throughout the island from today.“As the Minister of Health, I am committed to eradicating the COVID-19 virus from the country by taking all possible measures to control the spread of the pandemic,” she added.
