He was responding to a question raised by a journalist at a media briefing held at the Government Information Department today (11). Although there was an agreement to purchase the AstraZeneca vaccine, the Minister further reminded that due to the sudden increase in the number of Covid 19 patients in India,the export of vaccines from India to Sri Lanka was suspended. This caused a problem for nearly 600,000 Sri Lankans who were waiting to obtain the second dose. According to the information received that the AstraZeneca vaccine is available, discussions are underway to obtain it from the countries. He also said that the President would discuss the matter with the World Health Organization (WHO) and make arrangements to purchase the vaccine from a country that produces it through the World Health Organization (WHO) and that it is likely to be available within the next month. According to experts, it is not a problem to mix vaccines with regard to the first and second doses, he said, adding that Sri Lankan specialists will soon make a final decision in this regard. He emphasized the need to focus on disaster relief, and said that it was important for the country to do what it could to control the current situation.