Hon. Hector Appuhamy

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 The Health and Mass Media Ministry is closest to the people. I am happy that someone like Nalinda Jayatissa is now leading; though lately I sense a little arrogance compared to his earlier humility—no matter. He has secured significant funds for health, which is important.

¶ 03 Remember, this is the Ministry that sent a Cabinet Minister to jail—the “Keheliya No. 1” episode. “Keheliya No. 2” can happen even under a good Minister if old networks remain. The tender control environment still includes groups from the Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Keheliya Rambukwella eras. A newspaper reported “250 drug tender files stuck at MSD.” As we dig, more emerges. This must be investigated properly—not to sling mud, but to support the Minister to clean up and decide correctly.

¶ 04 At the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Managing Director Suneth Subasinghe Arachchi reportedly runs it as a personal fief. Many transfers to suit preferences; of six AGMs only three remain; a Deputy GM has left; the IT Manager and the Tender Evaluation Manager have resigned. About 250 drug tender files are stuck; about 2,000 files on devices and other procurements are reportedly pending. There are allegations of misuse of an official vehicle. Minister, please investigate. When tenders are delayed, suppliers wait until deadlines pass and then push urgent awards. Delays lead to medicine shortages that cost innocent lives—and the blame will point to you.

¶ 05 Therefore, do not allow a “Keheliya No. 2.” Even with big budget allocations, if these groups sabotage implementation, your health plans will stall despite your best designs.

¶ 06 On Puttalam District: You said Puttalam Hospital may be upgraded towards national level; even if not, please urgently renovate. Toilets are unusable, sewage systems flood, and four patients share a bed. Please prepare a special plan; if not national status, at least rehabilitate it. Puttalam is a unique, multi-ethnic, multi-religious district serving the poor. Please fix its hospital.

¶ 07 Thank you.