Sri Lanka, April 9 -- The Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights has formally requested the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to launch an immediate criminal investigation into the alleged procurement of undersized coal for the Lakvijaya Power Plant.

In a written complaint submitted yesterday, its Chairman, Dr. Sanjeewa, cited findings from the Auditor General's report, which he claims confirm that the procurement process was not accidental but part of a "planned conspiracy." He alleged that the irregularities began at the stage of awarding contracts to an unregistered company.

Drawing comparisons with past controversies, Dr. Sanjeewa said that the financial impact of the substandard medicine scandal during the...