News

Massive fraud in purchase of rapid antigen test kits – Minister

Published

4 weeks ago

December 19, 2024

editor

Chief Government Whip and Health and Media Minister, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated in Parliament yesterday that the Health Ministry is investigating fraud committed in the purchase of rapid antigen test kits during the COVID period.

The Minister also said that Parliament will be informed about the details of this fraud in the future.

The Minister revealed that a company that was not registered with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has spent the largest amount for the purchase of rapid antigen test kits.

In addition, Rs. 2.2 billion of public money has been spent on the purchase of two million rapid antigen test kits from this company.

The Minister said this in response to an oral question raised by MP Rauff Hakeem.

A total of Rs. 3.2 billion was spent on the purchase of COVID vaccines and rapid antigen test kits during the pandemic. Of this, Rs. 2.2 billion was spent on this company which was not even registered with the NMRA.

Meanwhile, Rs 3.2 billion was also spent on purchasing PCR kits. The total amount spent by the government on PCR kits and rapid antigen test kits was Rs. 6,422 million.

In a lengthy response to a question raised by MP Hakeem, Dr. Jayatissa also said there are 26 companies in the list. Out of these 26 companies, PCR kits and rapid antigens test kits have been purchased from seven companies. George Steuart & Company Ltd has provided rapid antigen test kits and PCR kits. However, the company called Divasa Pharma Ltdwhich provided Rs. 2 million worth of rapid antigen test kits, while the government has spentRs. 2, 200 million to purchase these rapid antigen test kits, is not an NMRA registered company.

(dailynews.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

SJB appoints committee for talks on working together with UNP

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has approved a proposal for discussions to work together with the United National Party (UNP).

Accordingly, a five-member committee, headed by SJB General Secretary – Ranjith Madduma Bandara, has been appointed for the discussions.

News

China pledges to back sovereignty, territorial integrity & independence of SL (Video)

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, stated that China is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

This statement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumar Disanayake and Zhao Leji, which took place earlier today (Jan. 16) as part of President Disanayake’s four-day official visit to China.

During the meeting, Chairman Zhao warmly welcomed President Disanayake, further emphasizing that working with Sri Lanka in a continuous and cooperative manner is a key expectation of the Chinese National People’s Congress.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China – Majintha Jayesinghe, were also present at the event.

(President’s Media Division)

BIZ

SL President holds talks with globally renowned Chinese companies (Pics)

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

During his four-day state visit to China, President Anura Kumara Disanayake held a series of strategic discussions with several globally acclaimed leading Chinese corporations following his participation in an investment forum organized by both public and private sector entities in China.

Among the prominent companies involved in these discussions were the China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC Group), Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC), Huawei and BYD Auto.

President Disanayake highlighted the investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka and assured these corporations that the government is committed to providing all necessary facilities and support to investors to foster a business-friendly environment.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake also participated in these significant engagements.

(President’s Media Division)