The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I second the time-appropriate Motion presented by the Hon. Rohana Bandara—something no one did for a long time. Though the present Government speaks, we are watching to see whether any programme is actually being implemented.

¶ 02 The importation of medicines is in a very serious state. Former Ministers are imprisoned over allegations related to medicine procurement. At COPE last week, we discussed that this has persisted over a long period, not just under Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. This is serious, because when we fall ill, medicine protects life. Yet through the medicine mafia, procurement authority, and irregularities in the process, innocent people still suffer. Put a proper system in place.

¶ 03 Hon. Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, please study whether what COPE recommended then is being done today. Catch the thieves, crooks, and the corrupt. First, design a system to prevent the public pressure created by theft and corruption.

¶ 04 There is no global shortage now. Many manufacturers make medicines. Still, after awarding a tender, the Ministry says it takes nine months to receive supplies, and even then it is not certain. Even after orders, medicines arrive after nine months, which means there is a shortage. Then come emergency purchases, and it is through these that underhand deals happen—history shows this, and COPE revealed it still happens. For the procurement needs of 2026/2027, importers are selected and data sent, but sometimes not to the real importer. If he later says after nine months that the medicine is unavailable, why is he the only one selected? That mafia remains. Your own Chairman sits in COPE; we are in that Committee. If the same old things happen, it does not suit your Government.

¶ 05 If you purchase like that, it is the same wrong process as before. We never approved that then either. Even when we were backbenchers in our Government, we opposed corrupt elements who ruined our policy. Likewise, I know a new group on your backbenches is raising such concerns now. Within six months there have been massive robberies; we will present documents. Backbenchers do not know; we also did not then. But we now say without fear that the front bench is doing this.

¶ 06 We want to move forward with a genuine, corruption-free political programme. But it is not happening. Calling a tender takes nine months; after that they say the medicines are unavailable, then go for emergencies—which are arranged deals—and supply substandard drugs. Stop it. I propose that emergency purchases be from proven-quality manufacturers after proper study, and find funds to buy directly to save our people. If the old ways continue, there is no change, no willingness to change. Therefore, begin implementing the Hon. Member’s Motion from the medicine procurement process itself. When imposing import restrictions, develop local industries accordingly.

¶ 07 Regarding rice, why import? Because our fields are not fully cultivated and Government support for farmers’ costs is inadequate; they incur losses and give up, while some use imports for underhand deals—this you said more than we did. If you continue this import-driven approach, it is the same old habit. I believe the Hon. Minister will end this and show the procedure aligned with this Motion. If it is effective, we will salute you.

¶ 08 Thank you for the time.

¶ 09 Question proposed.

¶ 10 Order, please! The Sitting is suspended till 1.00 p.m. for lunch and the ongoing Debate will be continued after the lunch break.

¶ 11 Sitting accordingly suspended till 1.00 p.m. and then resumed.