Sri Lanka's heated controversy over rapid anti-gen test cits has spilled over to the media space with the Aruna newspaper, owned by Dilith Jayaweera who is also involved in the importation of PCR tests, launching a scathing attack on those advocaring for more PCR tests in the country.

In an "exposè-style article carried today, the newspaper linked to George Steuart Health (Pvt.) Ltd through a common owner, said there was large-scale corruption involving PCR tests for COVID19 patients in the country. However, George Steuart Health has maintained that the company imported rapid anti-gen test kits for the private sector and no government money was involved.

The newspaper said a group of corrupt officials int the health sector were manipulating the process in order to do more and more PCR tests and earning money through commmisions. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the newspaper has fallen short of naming the responsibe parties for the alleged manipulation of the PCR process.

The article said the same group was behind the strong public outcry for more PCR tests in the country to identify COVID19 patients. The newspaper describes this group as a "well-oiled mafia" that works together with "shared ulterior motives".

It is clear that the objective of the article is to discourage health authorities from pursuing more PCR tests and push them towards looking for other alternatives.

However, the Ministry of Health is yet to comment on the damning allegations levelled against senior health officials by the newspaper.