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CIABOC probes SPC official

09 Jan 2022

  • Allegations of monthly pay-outs and sponsored trips by pharmaceutical companies 
By Aazam Ameen The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has commenced an investigation into several alleged malpractices committed by a manager employed at the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka (SPC), The Sunday Morning learns.  This development comes after Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) called on the CIABOC to commence an urgent inquiry into the matter, given that there is significant public expectation that the SPC fulfils its vital responsibilities with efficiency and integrity.  Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Attorney-atLaw and Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) Deputy Executive Director Sankhitha Gunaratne revealed that TISL had been informed of the activity via a whistle-blower complaint. “We received a whistle-blower complaint stating that a high-ranking official at the SPC was obtaining money from pharmaceutical companies to the tune of Rs. 350,000 per month and other benefits. The account numbers to be investigated are also listed out in the complaint we received. In addition, a relative of the official also received benefits from companies by way of payment for studies abroad. The official’s overseas trips and hospital bills were also paid for by these companies according to the whistleblower’s account,” Gunaratne detailed.  Gunaratne also said the whistle-blower claimed that merely looking at the bank accounts of the official in question would be sufficient to understand that bribery had in fact taken place.  “According to Section 23 (A) of the Bribery Act, if a public official is shown to have assets that outweigh their known sources of wealth, the law will presume that additional monies would be proceeds of bribery. The whistleblower alleges that this will be a clear case of the same,” Gunaratne said.  When asked about the complexities of investigating a case where the complainant wishes to remain anonymous, as in this instance, Gunaratne did not deny that putting one’s name on a complaint would make it easier for investigators to gather evidence where evidence was scarce.  “This is a situation where the whistle-blower felt that they could not reveal their name. Despite this, whistle-blowers play a crucial role in fighting corruption in the country. We understand that it is a difficult position to be in, but we are committed to assisting such persons by advocating their cause. Legal infrastructure and law enforcement need to change to be able to give them the kind of protection they need,” the Deputy Executive Director remarked.  Through well-placed sources, The Sunday Morning was able to obtain a copy of the letter filed by the whistle-blower, which had been sent to several recipients including the Ministry of Health. The said complaint alleges that the officer holding the post of Manager – Research and New Projects at SPC “is engaged in corrupt practises that tarnish the reputation of the SPC and prevent the SPC from fulfilling its mandate during the current Covid-19 health crisis”.  It goes on to allege that the officer had received benefits from certain pharmaceutical companies including in the form of “the financing of her brother’s PhD studies in the US and the payment of his visa fees,” “fully paid overseas trips to destinations including Thailand,” and hospital care at a certain private hospital.  According to the complaint, the whistle-blower had stated that they are unable to disclose their identity as they anticipate that they will be subject to harassment and intimidation within SPC if their identity is known.  When The Sunday Morning contacted I.G Wathsala Subhashinie Wimalasena, the named officer in the complaint, for her comments in this regard, the officer stated that she was unable to make any comments to the media. “My management told me that I cannot give any statements unless they give me an approval. You need to contact our management, either the Acting Chairman or the General Manager.”  Attempts to reach State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana and Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella in relation to the allegations failed


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