A fresh political storm has erupted after former Minister Wimal Weerawansa accused Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa of using a blacklisted pharmaceutical company’s bank card to fund personal shopping during an overseas visit, directly challenging him to take the matter to court if the claims are false.
Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has made a serious allegation against current Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, claiming that goods worth over Rs. 1 million were purchased during an official visit to India using another individual’s bank card.
Speaking at a ‘Gamath Ekka Wimal’ rally, Weerawansa said the bank card allegedly used belonged to the owner of a pharmaceutical company that had been blacklisted in Sri Lanka. He asserted that the Health Minister did not use his own funds to settle bills incurred during the trip.
According to Weerawansa, the company linked to the bank card was blacklisted following allegations of importing substandard medicines during the tenure of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. He argued that the incident raises serious questions about transparency, ethics, and the credibility of the current government’s claims of clean governance.
The former Minister said the alleged use of funds connected to a blacklisted supplier undermines public trust and demands a clear explanation. He stressed that accountability is essential, especially when it concerns the health sector and pharmaceutical procurement.
“If this allegation is false, I challenge you to file a case against me. I am ready to come to court with all the bills and evidence of the Minister’s purchases,” Weerawansa stated.
As the allegation gains traction, political pressure is mounting on the Health Minister to respond, with calls for clarification or legal action to settle the matter publicly.
