Sri Lanka’s Bribery Commission urges the public to come forward in a major neurosurgery scam involving Dr. Maheshi Surasinghe Wijeratne at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital. Over Rs. 30 million in losses, 300 affected—have you been a victim?
Bribery Commission Urges Public to Share Info in Rs. 30 Million Neurosurgery Scam
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) is now urging patients and concerned citizens to come forward with any information related to neurosurgical procedures performed under the supervision of Specialist Neurosurgeon Dr. Maheshi Surasinghe Wijeratne at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital (SJGH).
According to CIABOC, several serious allegations are under investigation, including the unauthorized use of external ventricular drains (EVD) and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt systems sourced from third parties. These surgeries are believed to have not only caused patient harm but also resulted in significant financial exploitation.
The Commission stated that statements have already been recorded from 77 individuals affected by these procedures. Investigators allege that government procurement processes were deliberately bypassed, enabling the resale of vital medical devices at vastly inflated prices.
Dr. Wijeratne was arrested earlier this month alongside two others Kekulandala Liyanage Indika, a hospital management assistant, and Nimal Ranjith, an employee of a private medical institution reportedly operated by the doctor. The three were remanded until June 24 by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.
Preliminary investigations reveal that in 2022, the price of an EVD through government medical supply channels was approximately Rs. 17,500. However, patients were allegedly pressured to purchase the same item through external sources for prices ranging from Rs. 125,000 to Rs. 250,000 based on the doctor’s recommendations. Today, the market price of an EVD stands around Rs. 46,500.
The Bribery Commission estimates that over 300 patients may have undergone these controversial procedures and suffered financially. The total loss incurred by victims is believed to be close to Rs. 30 million.
Authorities are calling for more affected individuals to come forward with evidence. The public can report relevant information by contacting the CIABOC hotline at 1954 or emailing ciaboc_gen@ciaboc.gov.lk.
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