Confectionery industry welcomes acceleration of vaccination program

The Lanka Confectionery Manufacturers Association (LCMA) yesterday commended the efforts taken by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Health Ministry and the COVID-19 Taskforce to extend the national vaccination program to all its members to combat the pandemic.

Over 6,500 frontline workers of the confectionery industry have so far been vaccinated against COVID-19 whilst the association is pursuing more vaccines to be administered covering all workers engaged. 

“We have requested 10,000 vaccines and received 6,500 immediately. It is a great relief for all members as the wellbeing of our employees is important to continue our operations. We are grateful to the Government for listening to our plea and arranging vaccination within a short span of time,” LCMA Chairman S.M.D. Suriyakumara told the Daily FT.

He said the health authorities have promised to provide the balance vaccines in the near future, as the Government has now secured considerable stock.

“Most of the factory workers within the EPZs are vaccinated from the BOI program. Around 60% of the frontline workers in Colombo and suburbs are vaccinated. Factory workers in other parts of the country too will be vaccinated through their respective MOHs,” he added.

LCMA strongly believes that vaccination of a significant proportion of the population is the only sustainable solution to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic.

“The acceleration of the vaccination drive will pave the way to continue our operations, which is critical at this point of time to revive the economic activities and reopen the country gradually. Many members of our association too are exporters who bring in much-needed foreign exchange. The vaccination program will eventually facilitate businesses to continue operations and promote trade and investment,” Suriyakumar added.

He was grateful to President Rajapaksa, Primary Healthcare, Epidemics and COVID Disease State Minister Dr. Sudharshani Fernandopulle, Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena and COVID-19 Taskforce Head and Army Commander Shavendra Silva for their prompt action.