Sept 22, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government is planning to obtain an additional loan grant of US$ 100 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cover the COVID-19 vaccination costs.

The International Monitory Fund (IMF) has agreed to grant a supplementary loan of United States $ 100 million for emergency response to COVID-19 and preparation of health sector project under the program of strategic preparation and response to COVID-19 in Sri Lanka.

As mentioned in the national utility and vaccination plan for COVID-19 pandemic situations, the national task force for the management of COVID has decided to widen the fundamental target of vaccinating 60% of the Sri Lanka population.

It has also been planned to procure 14 million dozes of Pfizer vaccine as well as finance other costs pertaining to vaccination.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Health for obtaining the relevant supplementary financing facility, a statement on cabinet decisions said.