brand logo

Top monk opposes vaccines for kids

14 Sep 2021

By Dinitha Rathnayake There is no scientifically definitive agreement on giving Covid-19 vaccines to children, noted Chief Prelate of the Ramanna Sect in Southern Sri Lanka Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera. Speaking at a press conference organised by the Covid-19 Death Prevention Association, he also said that children should not be used for research and experiments. Ven. Sobhitha Thera called on the Government to implement the decision to reopen schools. He also said that attention should be paid to methods used to develop immunity according to indigenous medicine. “Today, I had a discussion with virologist and Government Parliamentarian Prof. Tissa Vitarana regarding virology. At the same time, I listened to the comments of the respiratory specialist Dr. Channa de Silva. All of these people are of the opinion that the question of vaccinating children should not be taken so quickly. At first, it was said that the vaccine will prevent Covid-19. After that, it was said that even if one contracts the disease, the condition would not be serious. But did everyone who was vaccinated survive? Research on the vaccination of the elderly is still ongoing. We request that children therefore not be subjected to these experiments. According to Prof. Vitarana, it is too early to vaccinate children,” he stated. Meanwhile, the monk also criticised gynaecologist Dr. Harsha Atapattu’s request that childbearing be postponed, if possible, for a year owing to the Covid-19 variants such as the virulent Delta (B.1.617.2) Covid-19 strain of Indian origin, until more information regarding the disease and the vaccines are gathered by next year. “Birth control can be done under family planning. In another three to four years, Grade One classes may not have children. Are we turning a new page in birth control? If the vaccine affects unborn children, how can it be said that the vaccine is safe for young children?” He also commented on the ongoing teachers’ and principals’ strike over the unresolved salary anomaly issue.  “On behalf of all parents, I request the Government and teachers and principals to come to a middle ground. The future of children is something we all need to think about and come to a neutral position on. The Government should also be humble. The teachers and principals trade unions (TUs) have been trying to meet the Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa for weeks, yet, to date, no green light has been given by Rajapaksa for the meeting,” he added.  


More News..