At first I laughed and then I was impressed.

I saw a lot of people ridiculing this poster encouraging people to take selfies whilst getting the vaccine.

In fact, I too thought it was quite silly and funny at first.
It was only later on, that it struck me that this was a masterpiece of behavioral psychology in action.
In fact, I think it is quite a bold and forward-thinking step by the ministry of health or whoever thought of it, to come up with such a novel idea.
I am quite sure by encouraging selfies whilst being vaccinated will contribute immensely to reduce vaccine hesitancy and scare amongst a lot of people. Kudos to whoever that came up with this brilliant piece of communication and had the balls to execute it knowing that most people might misunderstand the intention.

Easier Done than Said

The purpose of an army is to fight the enemy and protect their country. They are trained to fight and be tough in any circumstances.

However, the Sri Lankan Army had to do an about-face when it came to the battle against covid 19. They were at the forefront of our vaccination drive. 

And I was lucky enough to get my vaccine from a vaccination center managed and operated by the Sri Lankan army.

I was expecting to be treated with a certain degree of gruffness. To have commands shouted at me. Like they do to young trainees in the movies. But all I saw was absolute kindness, gentleness, and caring by everyone. 

From the soldier standing guard outside, carrying a menacing machine gun, to the persons who were directing and registering the people coming in, and the medical staff on duty. Never have I seen such clockwork-like precision, efficiency, and dedication.

It took me less than thirty minutes to go in and come out. It would have been even shorter if not for me taking the time to fill out the consent form. I was impressed that they even had a box full of pens that we could use if we had forgotten to bring our own pen, which I had.

I have not been a big fan of most of the things which this government has been doing even though I voted for them. Best out of the bad lot as I say. But I must say in this instance they are doing something right. And we need to applaud the good with equal intensity as we criticize the bad.