The Institute of Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura has commenced research on the development of antibodies after the injection of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVISHIELD vaccine used in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, the director of the institute stated that the research will also investigate into how the vaccine works against the new COVID strains. He said that the report of this research is expected to be submitted within a month.

Genetic analytical research to identify new strains, which is conducted twice a month, will be conducted tomorrow in February at the Institute of Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Dr. Haritha Aluthge, Editor of the Government Medical Officers' Association stated that necessary arrangements should be made to obtain stocks of vaccines in order to make the COVISHIELD vaccine available to the general public in this country.

However, Co-Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Ramesh Pathirana addressing a media briefing on Cabinet decisions through Zoom Technology stated that steps will be taken to bring another Rs. 5 million from the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVISHIELD vaccine in the near future.