Ravi Kumudesh: Indian-made vaccine should not be forced on Sri Lankans

The general public should be given access to the most suitable COVID-19 vaccine instead of being made to take the Indian vaccine, President of the College of Medical Laboratory Science, Ravi Kumudesh told The Island yesterday.
Kumudesh said that the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) had so far only registered Covidshield vaccine (Indian name for Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.)
“Given that the Medical Research Institute (MRI) only checks documents, there can’t be a reason for the delay in registering other vaccines. We are glad that India gave us some vaccine doses for free, but we can’t just import more of the same without a proper study.”
A number of frontline workers who received the Indian COVID-19 vaccine had developed mild reactions, but Health Ministry has shown no interest in collecting and analyzing that data, Kumudesh said.
“We are not collecting data or analysing them. No one can explain why we are using only Covidshield. No one can say what the best vaccine for us is. We can’t independently verify anything although we have a 200-year-old MRI. At least now the government must invest in the MRI and restore it to its pristine position.”
(Source: The Island – By Rathindra Kuruwita)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Court orders arrest of Kapila Chandrasena for violating bail conditions May 7, 2026
- Cabraal faces fresh case over Rs. 1.84 Billion Greek Bond loss May 7, 2026
- Restaurant food prices in Sri Lanka to increase by Rs. 25 from May 08, 2026 May 7, 2026
- Rathugala indigenous leader Suda Wannila Aththo passes away May 7, 2026
- Sri Lanka concerned over attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia May 7, 2026

Your statement is admirable, Dr Ravi Kumudesh.
The contents and efficacy of the Indian Vaccine are unknown; no research; no test results.
We should go for Dhammikage Peniya (the God given Vaccine) and the Astra-Zeneca Vaccine, (tested and approved by WHO).
The Indian Vaccine will make an Indian Colony ruled by Narendira Moodhi.
No to Indian Vaccine, 100%.