Former MP Omalpe Sobhitha Thera questioned as to why the government failed to purchase medical equipment using a Rs. 30 billion grant provided by the World Bank.

The Thera questioned whether there was a reluctance on the part of the government to purchase medical equipment as the World Bank did not leave room for "underhand commissions".

Speaking at the media briefing held in Embilipitiya, Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero said: "The World Bank has provided US $ 167 million in assistance to benefit the people affected by the corona rice menace. We saw in the media that the World Bank is not giving this as a cash grant but for the purchase of equipment in the health sector."

"As a result, our authorities cannot make use of this grant to secure underhand commissions. However, this money has not been used to purchase medical equipment. We have serious questions over this incident," the Thera added.