The Japanese government has provided around $3 million for Sri Lanka to support its cold chain system, and enhance the delivery of immunization services, and strengthening the overall COVID-19 response, reported Colombopage. 

The island nation, which has been currently rolling out vaccines for priority groups, received the funds from Japan through UNICEF. 

“We believe that the procurement of cold chain equipment and relevant technical assistance will ensure equitable access and swift rollout of vaccination across the country,” Akira Sugiyama, the ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, was quoted as saying by Colombopage. 

As a long-standing friend of Sri Lanka, he said, “it is our great honor to provide the emergency grant.” 

The funds would be used for the procurement of cold chain equipment, walk-in-cold rooms, ice line refrigerators. A temperature monitoring system for all districts would also be purchased through these grants. 

“Contributions like this from the Government of Japan are crucial in our joint efforts with the Ministry of Health to support the delivery of COVID-19 vaccination services and further strengthen Sri Lanka’s health system,” said Emma Brigham, UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative.