The PHI Union today stated that they hope the political influence in the vaccination drive will reduce following the issuance of new guidelines to vaccinate all persons over 30 against COVID. Treasurer of the PHI Union Yasas Mudalige said that, earlier, certain groups were given priority and therefore, several cases of political influence were reported that hindered the progress of the vaccination drive. “However, the Ministry of Health has issued a new guideline citing that all persons over 30 should be vaccinated. We hope that there would be no political influence to the vaccination drive hereafter,” he told The Morning. The PHIs on Monday pointed out that incidents were reported from Colombo Municipality area with regard to politicians making undue influence on officials in the vaccination drive. Responding to these allegations, Minister of Mass Media Keheliya Rambukwella earlier today stated that the relevant authorities can reveal the names of those who have allegedly sabotaged the vaccination drive with their influence. “These authorities should directly contact the government and discuss with us by revealing names of those who are exerting pressure and attempting to hinder the vaccination process. As of now, I am not aware of such influences in the vaccination drive,” he stated at the Cabinet press conference today.