Consultant Physician Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa has asked the Health Ministry to order an independent investigation into the tender for cancer radiation therapy machines for the Apeksha Cancer Hospital and the Galle National Hospital, alleging conflicts of interest.
He alleged that medical physicists expected to sit on the Technical Evaluation Committees (TECs) for the tenders attended a promotional event organised by a company linked to one of the suppliers, just nine days before tenders were due to open.
The procurement covers Linear Accelerator (Linac) machines, which are being funded through an Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan scheme.
According to information Dr. Sanjeewa presented, the Government Medical Physicists’ Association (GMPA) held its Annual General Meeting at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo on 14 June 2026. An international representative of the company that makes the radiation equipment in question gave a promotional presentation at the meeting, and the event was sponsored by the company’s local agent.
The tenders were scheduled to open on 23 June. Dr. Sanjeewa questioned why officials responsible for evaluating the bids took part in an event organised by a company linked to a potential supplier while the tender process was under way. He said such contact could affect the independence and fairness of the procurement.
He also questioned the proposed purchase of a 17-year-old Linac model and warned that Sri Lanka could end up with outdated cancer treatment equipment.
Dr. Sanjeewa asked for the medical physicists who attended the event to be removed from the relevant TECs until the allegations are investigated. The allegations are his and have not been tested or answered in the information available.
Background
Linear accelerators are machines that deliver radiation therapy, one of the main treatments for cancer. Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama is Sri Lanka’s national cancer hospital, and patients are referred to it from across the country.
Technical Evaluation Committees examine whether the machines offered by bidders meet the specifications set in a tender. Their findings are used when a supplier is chosen.
Dr. Sanjeewa said procurement guidelines, including those that apply to ADB-funded projects, require strict controls on contact between bidders and the officials who evaluate bids.
What it means
Dr. Sanjeewa warned that if the alleged conflicts of interest are not addressed, the tender could face legal disputes and further delays in buying the machines, which would put the lives of cancer patients awaiting treatment at greater risk.
The outcome of any investigation could affect which equipment is bought for the two hospitals and when it arrives. Patients who depend on public hospitals for radiation therapy would be affected by any delay.
