Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Rajitha Senaratne says the Treasury has granted permission to import medicines at higher prices.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo today, MP Senaratne said two individuals linked to two major political parties are behind the deal.
The Parliamentarian said an individual suffering from cholesterol will have to pay an extra Rs.750 due to the corrupt actions of the present administration.
He said print media has also reported that the government is incurring a loss of USD 240,000 monthly from a single cholesterol tablet.
The MP claimed two individuals, one with ties to the United National Party and the other with ties to the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna are masterminds behind the deal.
He said such individuals are generating profits from an already bankrupt economy.
Furthermore, MP Rajitha Senaratne requested the government to immediately halt the importation of medicines at high prices and to facilitate the local production of medicines by only importing the necessary raw materials.
He called on the government to stop importing medicines that are already being manufactured by the 12 local pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in operation at present.
The MP said implementing the procedure will ensure job security of pharmaceutical employees and will also ensure the safety of the local pharmaceutical sector.
