COLOMBO (News 1st): The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal to purchase seven (07) million doses of Russia’s Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccines, the Department of Government Information said.

The Ministry of Health is planning to vaccinate 14 million Sri Lankans against the COVID-19 virus.

According to the Department of Government Information, under the 1st phase, the ministry is taking measures to vaccinate five (05) million people.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Health to purchase 07 million Sputnik-V vaccines at a cost of USD 69.65 million upon the recommendation of the Cabinet Appointed Negotiation Committee.

Sri Lanka’s National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has already approved Russia’s Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in the country.

• 05 COVID-19 fatalities on Thursday (22); country toll rises to 634
• Importation of chemical fertilizer will be stopped in the near future – President
• Fonseka levels heavy criticism against PCoI report
• Moves to digitize TV transmission under heavy criticism
• COVID-19 cases on the rise; officials warn