The Director General of Health Services today informed the Supreme Court that the Ministry of Health has not issued any law or regulation to make it mandatory to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The announcement was made by a Senior State Counsel appearing for the Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, when a Fundamental Rights petition filed stating the government’s decision to make vaccination compulsory violates fundamental rights, was taken up today.
The petition was taken up before a three-member bench comprising Justices S Thurairaja, Shiran Gunaratne and Achala Wengappuli.
The State Counsel, appearing for the Director General of Health Services said an individual can obtain the vaccine voluntarily only if they wish to obtain it.
Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control Sudarshini Fernandopulle, the Director General of Health Services and the Attorney General have been named as respondents.
