Delay in probes into drug regulatory and passport fraud suspicious – MTUA Chairman

Colombo, Sept. 19 (Daily Mirror) - Medical Trade Union Alliance (MTUA) Chairman Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa yesterday (18) raised concerns over the delay in investigations into the data fraud at the Drug Regulatory Authority and the alleged irregularities in passport printing tenders, calling the situation “suspicious.”

He made these remarks when representatives of professional and civil society organizations visited the Bribery Commission to inquire about the progress of the complaints lodged regarding the incidents.

Dr. Sanjeewa said that despite repeated complaints to the Bribery Commission and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), no meaningful progress has been made under the present government. He added that both the data fraud and the irregular passport printing tender involve the same internet service provider.

“It is regrettable that no proper investigations have been conducted under the new government. Instead, one selected company continues to receive the tender for passport printing at high prices, in violation of procurement procedures and without accounting for the current inflation,” he said.

According to Dr. Sanjeewa, the alleged irregularity has persisted for nearly 22 years, since 2003, with successive Ministers and Commissioners General of the Immigration and Emigration Department bearing responsibility.

He further noted that while the CID has initiated an inquiry into the Drug Regulatory Authority fraud, the progress remains unsatisfactory. He urged the President to ensure the matter is referred back to the Attorney General’s Department for proper judicial action.