All citizens above the age of 30 years are expected to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the 10th of September, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said addressing the nation today (Aug. 20).

In his statement, the President stated that nearly 98% of the population aged over 30 years have received the vaccine so far, while approximately 43% of them were fully vaccinated.

The President is hopeful that the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths reported in the country would see a decline with the ramped-up inoculation drive.

He highlighted that vaccination is the only means to control the COVID-19 pandemic as suggested by the World Health Organization and medical experts.

The President also spoke of the special efforts he had taken to import vaccines to Sri Lanka by personally contacting the Heads of State of India, China and other vaccine-manufacturing countries.

The health sector has been directed to pay special attention to people aged above 60 years, who suffer from chronic illnesses and to conduct Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) at least once a week, he continued.

“This is not a time to carry out demonstrations or strikes,” the President said, urging the public not to push the country towards anarchy.

Speaking on restriction of movement, President Rajapaksa cautioned the people to prepare to make necessary sacrifices if the country has to be locked down for a longer period. “Let’s unite as one and emerge from this COVID-19 pandemic.”