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Online and SMS-based vaccine appointment system launched

14 Jul 2021

  • Available for residents of Western Province 
 The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), in close collaboration with the National Operations Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), the Telecom Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), and mobile operators, announced the launch of an online and SMS-based vaccine appointment system available from 12 July 2021 onwards.  Mobile operators Dialog Axiata PLC, Mobitel Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd., Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka, and Airtel Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. were key to supporting this initiative. The vaccination drive was initiated to ensure streamlined delivery of the first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine, and targets those above 30 years residing in the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara Districts. Eligible citizens can schedule an online appointment at https://vaccine.covid19.gov.lk or via SMS.   To register via SMS, the following commands can be typed (without quotes) and sent to 1906: 
  • Step 1: Send “districts” - to receive a list of District Codes where active vaccinations are  carried out
  • Step 2: Send the code for your district e.g. “COL” to receive a list of active MOH Area Codes
  • Step 3: Send the code for your MOH Area e.g. “COL2” to receive a list of active Vaccination Centre Codes
  • Step 4: To register for your first dose of Vaccination, please send a message in the following format: <NIC><SPACE><VACCINATION CENTRE CODE> To register for your second dose of Vaccination, please send a message in the following format (<MM.DD> should be the date you received your 1st dose): <NIC><SPACE><MM.DD><SPACE><VACCINATION CENTRE CODE>
Once successfully registered, they will receive a system-generated reference code. One can present themselves at the respective vaccination centre at the given time, and submit the reference to the vaccination centre. Commenting on this initiative, ICTA Chief Technology Officer Hiranya Samarasekara stated: “We have worked closely with the TRCSL, and mobile operators to offer this timely initiative. We want to thank these institutions for coming on board to support this initiative and we are hopeful the eligible public will make use of this hassle free service.”  In addition, the system also facilitates the acquisition of an internationally recognised certificate for those who have received both doses of Covid-19 vaccine. Elaborating on this, Samarasekara said: “Information obtained from the public at the Covid-19 vaccination centers are referred to an information system maintained by the Ministry of Health. After that, those who have received both doses of the vaccine can download a certificate through this system. “This will make it easier to find the person’s name, age, National Identity Card (NIC) number, date of vaccination, type of vaccine, and batch number. The uniqueness of this is that the relevant accuracy can be verified from anywhere in the world through the QR Code.”


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