- On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar told Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that India will be giving priority to Sri Lanka while supplying its COVID-19 vaccine
- The Drug Controller General of India, on Sunday, approved the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield
THoD Newsdesk, India: On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar told Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that India will be giving priority to Sri Lanka while supplying its COVID-19 vaccine stock to other countries. Jaishankar further stated that Indian businesses are interested in investing in Sri Lanka and opportunities in areas such as pharmaceuticals and tourism have been discussed and a follow up will be taken soon. Jaishankar is on a bilateral visit to Sri Lanka to discuss ways to strengthen links between the two countries. Many proposals are under discussion, including in infrastructure, energy and connectivity, the Minister said
While at a press conference with Dinesh Gunawardena in Colombo, Jaishankar said, “We have discussed important opportunities including special zones for pharmaceutical manufacturing as also tourism. I will ensure early follow up from the Indian side.”
The Drug Controller General of India, on Sunday, approved the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech, for emergency use in the country.
Jaishanker also said, “We have discussed some important opportunities including in special zones for pharmaceutical manufacturing as also in tourism. I will ensure an early follow-up.” Minister Dinesh Gunewardene even stated that India’s neighbourhood first policy had helped Sri Lanka during the pandemic crisis.
Sri Lanka and India had discussed maritime sector and security issues, Minister Gunewardene added. “The green economy is complemented by the vast blue economy, that our surroundings are naturally gifted with.”
