State Minister Arundika Fernando has requested the government to establish a special centre in Colombo to administer the Pfizer vaccine doses for individuals who are hoping to leave the country to take up employment or for education.
State Minister Fernando said due to the high-demand for Pfizer vaccine doses, some individuals are even violating travel restrictions and visiting centres in the Puttalam district.
Speaking to media in Colombo today, State Minister Fernando said no party can be blamed for such actions, since parents are taking measures to protect their children from COVID-19 and some countries only recognize the Pfizer vaccine.
He said although there is a mechanism to administer the Pfizer vaccine doses to those leaving the country, due to shortcomings, people are seeking alternatives.
The State Minister said some individuals have to wait for a lengthy period of time after registering to obtain the vaccine.
He said several incidents were reported from the Puttalam district yesterday and some went out of control as persons from different parts of the country flocked to vaccination centres to obtain Pfizer jabs.
The State Minister said it is evident there is a high-demand for the vaccine, and therefore requested the responsible Ministers to take appropriate steps and expand the programme.
