Two Grama Niladhari’s among four arrested in kidney racket

Four suspects including two Grama Niladaris, who were arrested in connection with the illegal kidney transplant racket at a private hospital in Borella, were ordered to be remanded till January 31 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya yesterday. 

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris appearing on behalf of the Colombo Crimes Division informed the Magistrate that two Grama Niladaris of Kolonnawa and Rajagiriya were arrested for providing assistance to kidney smugglers by issuing fake certificates to two persons.

“It has been revealed that two Grama Niladaris issued fake Garama Sevaka certificates for a person living in UAE. Kidney transplants are prohibited for foreigners within Sri Lanka,”SDSG Dileepa Peiris added.

He further pointed out that the arrested two Grama Niladaris had obtained Rs.20,000 for a certificate.

“The second suspect had made a complaint to the Borella Police regarding the aforesaid Kidney Racket.The suspect made this complaint due to the non payment of money as promised,”he added.

“It has been come to light that there is a separate group to train the kidney donors on how to answer the questions asked by the Judicial Medical Officer,” the SDSG further stated.

Attorneys appearing on behalf of the suspects pleaded their clients be released on bail under any suitable bail condition.

After taking the facts into consideration, the Magistrate denied the bail request made by the Defence.The Magistrate observed that as a government officer, they should act more responsibly. If a government officer acts in this manner, it would seriously affect the national security of the country,”the Magistrate further observed.