Do not allow a mafia to import substandard medicines – Opposition Leader

19-Dec-2025

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that substandard medicines are believed to be the cause of the deaths of two patients at the IDH Hospital, and asked who should be held responsible. He stressed that, amid the national disaster, there must be no room for a mafia importing inferior medicines into the country.

He made these remarks during the adjournment motion debate on the current national situation in Parliament on Dec 18.

He stated that substandard medicines and vaccines cannot be allowed into the country during a national crisis. It has been reported that two patients died after being administered a low-quality vaccine used to control vomiting and dizziness at the IDH Hospital. He questioned whether these deaths were caused by inferior medicines or vaccines and who bears responsibility.

He further asked whether a pharmaceutical mafia has continued to consume and undermine the country’s healthcare system. He urged unity beyond ethnic and religious divisions to rebuild the country and stated that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya is ready to actively participate in rebuilding efforts, not merely through words.