Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Senior Consultant Physician at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) became the first healthcare official to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Sri Lanka. He was inoculated during a special programme held at the IDH. A senior nurse at the hospital become the second health official to receive the vaccine. Dr. Wijewickrama said he accepted the offer to become the first to alleviate any fears and doubts among the people about the vaccine.