The Deputy High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka, Vinod K. Jacob, said he would like to commend the professionalism of Sri Lankan authorities who did not cut corners and yet provided necessary approvals in just about a week to COVISHIELD. The Deputy High Commissioner expressed these views while speaking at the ICCSL-CIMA-Daily FT Most Admired Companies of Sri Lanka event held at the BMICH yesterday. He also said that in line with the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the UN General Assembly in 2020, India is using its vaccine production and delivery capacity to help all humanity. "We have given particular attention to our neighbors. You all would be aware of COVISHIELD and COVAXIN vaccines that are currently being administered in India. A plane load of 500,000 vials of vaccines arrived in Colombo on Duruthu Poya Day last month. “Probably because of the success of this initiative, I am given to understand that Sri Lanka is placing large scale orders for more vaccines from India. Having seen at closed quarters, the benefits of jointly fighting COVID-19 related challenges, I am confident that both countries can deepen our cooperation in this field. “One of the lessons learned is that while dealing with public health matters as important as vaccines, it is imperative to respect the national regulator’s freedom and competence. I would like to commend the professionalism of Sri Lankan authorities who cut no corners and yet provided necessary approvals in just about a week to COVISHIELD,” he said.