President did not agree to appoint Commission to probe allegations of Health Ministry corruption- Rajitha

Health Minister (Dr) Rajitha Senaratne has dismissed the GMOA's statement regarding the appointment of a Presidential Commission to probe into allegations of corruption in the Health Ministry.

Addressing a press briefing yesterday (Jan 16), Minister Senaratne said that the President had called him on Tuesday and clarified that he had not agreed to appoint a Commission as stated by the GMOA.

"The President said that he was not vested with the power to appoint a Commission to investigate against a ministry" he added..

The Health Minister also said that he had met with former members of the GMOA on January 15. These former members had revealed the corrupt activities behind the organisation including claims of alleged threats and intimidation said to be carried out by the GMOA, he said.

"The GMOA has enrolled members into the association by threatening young doctors" Minister Senaratne claimed.

He also told reporters that the President had pledged to organise a discussion in this regard following his arrival from the Philippines.