1.17 million Sri Lankans over the age of 20, UNVACCINATED

COLOMBO (News 1st); Approximately 1.17 million Sri Lankans over the age of 20 are yet to obtain the first dose of the vaccine against COVID-19, revealed the State Ministry of Home Affairs.

N.H.M. Chithrananda, the Secretary to the State Ministry of Home Affairs told News 1st that this number of ascertained following a recent study in Sri Lanka.

He said that 719,000 Sri Lankans between the ages of 20 - 29 have not obtained the vaccine.

386,408 Sri Lankans between the ages of 30 - 60 are yet to obtain the first dose, he added while noting that 64,234 Senior Citizens (over 60) are yet to obtain the vaccine.

N.H.M. Chithrananda, the Secretary to the State Ministry of Home Affairs told News 1st that it is disappointing to note that while the government has taken many efforts to administer the vaccine at the regional level, there are those who continue to avoid being vaccinated.

He said that all the Grama Niladhari Officers were informed to trace such people and immediately direct them to a vaccination center.

The Director of the Health Promotion Bureau Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa speaking to News 1st said that it is important for the general public to obtain the booster dose in the wake of the Omicron spread in Sri Lanka.