SRI LANKA and the World Bank have signed an $80.5 million additional financing to help the country access and distribute Covid-19 vaccines. The agreement, which happened on Thursday (13), is expected to strengthen the country’s vaccination system and pandemic response.
Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Sajith Attygalle signed on behalf of Sri Lankan government while the World Bank country director for Sri Lanka Faris Hadad-Zervos signed on behalf of the organization.
“Solidarity and support of all stakeholders is key to fight this pandemic,” said Hadad-Zervos. “The World Bank remains responsive to the health priorities of Sri Lanka as well as emergency needs. Effective deployment of the vaccines will help Sri Lanka protect people, build human capital and facilitate inclusive economic recovery.”
This is the second additional financing by the World Bank. The funding will go to the "Covid-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Project" for the purchase and deployment of safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines. The motive is to strengthen relevant health systems that are necessary for successful deployment and to prepare for the future.
Commenting on the funding, minister of health Pavithra Wanniarachchi said that the government of Sri Lanka is committed to protecting its population from the impacts of the pandemic, and has placed a high priority on strengthening and expanding the Covid-19 vaccination program.
“This useful and timely resource will help us to ensure equitable vaccine deployment among the eligible population of Sri Lanka,” she said.
"Covid-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Project" has been working towards the country’s pandemic management and prevention efforts. The funds deployed have contributed to the provision of essential works, goods, services, and consultancies for emergency pandemic management and prevention activities, including the procurement of medical and surgical consumables.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)