News
SPC annuls mouthwash tender
The State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) has refuted allegations surrounding the awarding of a tender for Chlorhexidine 0.2% mouthwash to a Bangladeshi company, following claims of irregularities raised by the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA).
The MCPA alleged that the supplier in question was blacklisted for failing to honour previous agreements, sparking calls for an urgent investigation into the matter.
Responding to the accusations, SPC Chairman Dr. M.C. Weerasinghe said the tender had been initially awarded in accordance with established procurement procedures. “The contract was granted to the lowest bidder, who held valid certification from the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), as required by standard guidelines,” he said.
However, Dr. Weerasinghe admitted that a subsequent review had revealed the supplier’s earlier classification as a ‘default supplier’ by the SPC Board of Directors in October 2024. Upon uncovering that oversight, the SPC had promptly annulled the decision and began reallocating the tender to another qualified bidder.
“This was an error on the part of the Tender Committee, but corrective measures were taken as soon as the issue came to light,” Dr Weerasinghe said.
The MCPA criticised the selection process, urging the Health Ministry to ensure greater transparency in future procurement to avoid such controversies.
In its defence, the SPC has reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards in procurement and assured the public that procedures have been tightened to prevent similar lapses.
The incident has reignited calls for stringent oversight and transparency in public procurement processes, particularly concerning essential medical supplies.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 10 March 2026, valid for 11 March 2026.
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at
some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard.
For further clarifications please contact 011-744649
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished bys the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to extend Visas of those unable to leave Sri Lanka due to the
cancellation of flights to the Middle East from 28.02.2026 for another 14 days without any payments and re-extend the extended Visas for another 14 days without payments if the flights cancellations continue.
Taking into consideration the resolution furnished by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Council, and Local Government, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to appoint Sunil Galagama, a Special Grade Officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, who is currently serving as an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, as the District Secretary to Badulla Administrative District with immediate effect.
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and Monaragala district
Large parts of Dresden to be evacuated after 250kg WW2 bomb found
Cabinet approves 14 day Visa extension
Sunil Galagama appointed as District Secretary Badulla
Anupama Mangala Wickramaarachchi appointed District Secretary Ampara
Committee on Economic Surveillance to be established
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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