Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for an impartial investigation into the deaths of two women linked to contaminated vaccines, stressing that accountability and transparency are essential.
He revealed that preliminary tests at the Kandy Hospital had detected bacteria in the vaccines, leading the National Medicines Regulatory Authority to withdraw 270,000 imported doses from the hospital system.
Premadasa questioned whether the vaccines were procured under emergency procedures, whether proper quality checks were conducted, and why the government has not disclosed the full truth to the public.
He urged the Health Minister to clarify the testing mechanisms and respond to medical officers’ concerns regarding the incident.
He further questioned whether Sri Lanka has laboratories with procedures recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), and asked the government to present the steps taken in two budgets to establish WHO‑approved laboratory facilities.
He reiterated that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Samagi Jana Sandhanaya fully accept the Senaka Bibile drug policy, noting that when the children’s medicine scandal was exposed, the SJB even led no‑confidence motions.
He praised Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa and Kavinda Jayawardena for their strong fight against the issue, while criticizing false reports that attempted to portray their stance as not aligned with the SJB.
Premadasa said that when the children’s medicine mafia operates, some who claim to support the Senaka Bibile policy only in name spread false news. He emphasized that an impartial investigation must be conducted into the two deaths caused by these vaccines, and that strong action must be taken against the children’s medicine mafia.
Premadasa added that safeguarding the health of 22 million citizens is a fundamental human right, and the SJB continues to stand firmly for this cause. (Newswire)