SJB slams Govt.’s emergency lenses purchase amidst fraud claims

• Alleges public monies are being syphoned off in the guise of emergency medicine purchases 
• Claims there is a deliberate manipulation of lens availability in SL to deviate from procurement process
• Says Minister and officials will have to pay for wrongs committed despite attempts to conceal crimes 

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana yesterday criticised the Government’s choice to proceed with an immediate lens purchase amidst allegations of fraud relating to the procurement process. 

“Patients have tragically paid with their lives due to the breakdown of the Ministry of Health, while taxpayers are bearing the brunt of fraud with their public funds being syphoned off in the guise of purchasing necessary medicines and equipment,” he said. 

“The best example is the deliberate manipulation of lens availability, a tactic frequently exploited to expedite emergency purchases of medicines and equipment, sidestepping the standard procurement process. A similar approach was taken with insulin previously, and it’s being replicated for lenses now,” he added.

The MP said the party took steps to reveal that a Rs. 1 billion fraud is afoot through the attempt to purchase lenses urgently without adhering to the regular procurement process. “Medical professionals even informed the CID. Nevertheless, the Ministry Secretary has revealed a decision to go for an emergency purchase will be made on 29,” the MP noted. 

Jayawardhana said the entire health service has faced a severe collapse in the current scenario. 

“The exodus of doctors from the country, the breakdown of the hospital system, and the perilous introduction of subpar medications without proper oversight in the form of unregulated tenders have jeopardised the lives of patients across the country,” he said. 

However, the MP noted the subject Minister along with officials of the Ministry of Health are aware they are able to conceal all evidence of wrongdoing and absolve themselves from any crimes. “But as per our beliefs one will have to one day pay for the sins committed,” he noted.