31st May 2021 18:05:53 Hours
Army troops in close co-operation with Medical Officers of Health (MOHs) and health providers in respective regions throughout Saturday (29) successfully carried out COVID-19 vaccination programmes at government-organized mobile centres at Uyanwatta, Pawarasiri Niveraramaya, Ransegoda Sri Vijayaramaya and Kekanadura Rajamaha Viharaya in Matara District, Atanika Primary School, Elpitya Ananda College and Habarduwa Dharmika Vidyalaya in Galle District as instructed by General Shavendra Silva, Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army.
Army troops across the island at the request of the government moved to Galle, Matara, Matale, Kurunegala and Anuradhapura areas in the South, North-Western, North Central Province and the Central Province respectively on Friday (28) to conduct/ assist regional COVID-19 Vaccination Centres after HE the President prioritized those areas for vaccination during a special Task Force meeting.
Accordingly, Galle and Matara districts were prioritized for vaccination. Army Medical Officers (MOs) and Sri Lanka Medical Corps (SLMC) troops accordingly would continue their duties on Sunday (30) too. On Thursday (27), General Shavendra Silval visited the preparations soon after the drive commenced.
Troops of the 61 Division and under command units actively contributed to the programmes in all places under the guidelines given by Major General Dammi Hewage, General Officer Commanding, 61 Division and Brigadier Upul Kodithuwakku, Commander 613 Brigade in consultation with Major General Vikum Liyanage, Commander, Security Forces-West.
