Due process violated in porting Rapid Antigen Test Kits; says Opposition

MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha said the approval from the National Medicine Regulatory Authority was not obtained to import the Rapid Antigen Test Kits to Sri Lanka.

He alleged the Rapid Antigen Test Kits were brought down in a hurry, several days after the closing date of the necessary tender.

"After this was exposed, it was said the Rapid Antigen Test Kits were imposed for the private sector," he said.

The Opposition MP highlighted there is a process in the country which needs to be followed, regardless if the product is imported to the private sector or the public sector.

MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha said importing Rapid Antigen Test Kits in violation of the due process is a punishable offense under the respective law.

He alleged the government is not spending money on purchasing the essential PCR machines, despite claiming to have over Rs. 01 Billion untouched, in the COVID Fund.

Former Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said the Rapid Antigen Test alone would not kill the virus, adding a Rapid Anti-body test must be carried out as well.

He said when an evaluation is taking place in Sri Lanka, the kits had already arrived at the airport.

However, Professor Channa Jayasumana, the State Minister of Production, Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals once the tender was opened, it was sent to a technical review committee, adding the review is still ongoing.

He affirmed the tender was not given to any private company and the state sector did not purchase a single test kit from the private company in question.