Colombo, Sri Lanka – Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, has exposed a kidney racket involving individuals from India, where kidneys are being sold for up to Rs. 3 million.
Speaking at a media briefing held at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital to mark National Organ Donor Day, Dr. Jasinghe revealed that this illegal operation primarily targets impoverished families in tea estate communities, exploiting their financial vulnerability.
He emphasized that the methods used for these transplants are completely unethical and illegal, raising serious concerns about medical ethics and regulatory enforcement.
“As far as I know, a kidney is being sold for between Rs. 2 to 3 million,” he stated, highlighting the lack of oversight in the country’s organ transplant system.
Dr. Jasinghe also pointed out that although a kidney transplant policy was introduced in 2019, Sri Lanka still does not have a national registry for kidney donors and recipients, making it difficult to monitor and regulate transplants effectively.
He further stated that Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has been informed of the issue, and steps are being taken to address the illegal trade and implement stricter regulatory measures.
The revelation has sparked widespread concern, with calls for urgent reforms in Sri Lanka’s organ donation and transplant system to prevent exploitation and protect vulnerable communities.
