The latest audit report has revealed that investigations are still ongoing into large-scale corruption and fraud that occurred within the Ministry of Health during the tenures of former Health Ministers Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Channa Jayasumana, and Keheliya Rambukwella. However, according to the report, the current health authorities have failed to take necessary action or provide the required information to the auditors.
As a result, the Chairman of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, has requested the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to initiate an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The Auditor General’s report further notes that inquiries continue regarding a loss exceeding USD 70 million to the government, stemming from the purchase of approximately 700,000 COVID-19 vaccines beyond the approved limit. Despite this, the current health authorities have allegedly concealed key information related to these transactions.
Dr. Sanjeewa has also written to CID Director Shani Abeysekara, urging an in-depth probe into the conduct of Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe and Directors General of Health Services, including Dr. Asela Gunawardena, who held office during the relevant period. He emphasized that the continued failure to provide the necessary data suggests that many past corruption incidents may have been deliberately covered up.
In addition, Dr. Sanjeewa called for an investigation into the alleged misuse of nearly Rs. 900 million, which had been donated by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Foreign Employment Bureau for the procurement of medicines.
Speaking to the media outside the Criminal Investigation Department, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe to take immediate and serious note of the findings presented in the latest audit report. He highlighted that the report exposes widespread corruption across the Ministry of Health, the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation, the Drug Regulatory Authority, the Medical Supplies Unit, and 25 major hospitals across the country.
Dr. Sanjeewa warned that if decisive action is not taken, the President will soon realize that a strong and reliable health system cannot be built with corrupt officials in charge.
