The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) Chairman, Dr. Manuj Krishantha Weerasinghe, has refuted recent media reports alleging that a tender for Chlorohexidine 0.2% mouthwash was awarded to a blacklisted supplier.
Tender Review and Re-Awarding Process
Dr. Weerasinghe clarified that the tender was initially awarded to the lowest bidder, a supplier registered with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). However, during the procurement process, it was discovered that the supplier had been listed as a defaulted supplier on October 29, 2024, due to non-payment to the SPC.
Following this revelation, the Medical Supplies Division reviewed the procurement process, and the tender was subsequently canceled and re-awarded to a suitable bidder.
Misleading Media Reports
The SPC criticized the false media claims, asserting that no orders had been processed with the blacklisted supplier and that the re-awarding process was already completed by the time the reports surfaced.
Legal Action to Be Pursued
In his statement, Dr. Weerasinghe emphasized that the SPC would take legal action against the dissemination of misleading information, which the organization believes could harm its credibility.
The SPC reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency and ensuring proper procedures in its procurement processes.
