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COLOMBO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government has been in discussions with China, Russia and India to purchase COVID-19 vaccines while obtaining vaccines through the WHO's COVAX, local media quoted Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi as saying on Friday.

The minister informed the parliament that the Asian Development Bank had agreed to provide a grant of 5 million U.S. dollars to purchase the vaccines for Sri Lankans, while the government would also take steps to provide the Pfizer vaccine if it is available through the COVAX Facility.

"The COVAX Facility only grants vaccines. They do not provide financial aid to purchase vaccines. We will take steps to provide Pfizer vaccine if it is provided by the WHO through the COVAX Facility," the minister said.

She said the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) had also agreed to provide 370,000 U.S. dollars as a donation to improve cold storage requirements in Sri Lanka following a request made by the Health Ministry.

The minister said training sessions have been planned for health staff on the vaccination, adding that the ministry has to submit the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan (NDVP) to COVAX before Jan. 15.

"We have completed 60 percent of the plan now. It will be handed over to COVAX of the WHO on Jan. 12," the minister said. Enditem