Supreme Court suspends importing pharmaceuticals from two Indian companies

The Supreme Court on Thursday (6) granted leave-to proceed in the Fundamental Rights petition filed by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), stating that serious doubts have arisen regarding the quality, safety, and efficacy of the pharmaceuticals purchased under the Indian Credit Line from The Savorite Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Limited.

The petition was filed against the steps taken by the Cabinet of Ministers, the Minister of Health, the Ministry of Health, and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) to procure medical supplies from two Indian private companies.

While noting that serious doubts have arisen regarding the lawfulness of the impugned procurement transaction, Court granted two interim reliefs;

• Suspension of further importation of pharmaceuticals pertaining to the decision without obtaining a further order from the Court after proving that the quality and safety requirements are satisfied, and the procurement is lawful.

• Release for use the two consignments that have already reached Sri Lanka only after the conducting necessary tests, and the NMRA expressing its independent decision assuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of the already imported pharmaceuticals.

This case, filed in the public interest, challenged among other things, the non-compliance with procurement guidelines including the emergency procurement process and abuse of process by the Minister of Health and the Chief Executive Officer of the NMRA.

In its petition, TISL alleges that the citizens' fundamental right to equality (Article 12(1)) and the right of access to information (Article 14A) have been violated, along with serious disregard for the health, safety and well-being of the people and in total abuse of public trust and public funds.

The petition was heard before the bench comprising Hon. Justice Murdu N.B. Fernando, PC, Hon. Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, PC,, Hon. Justice Achala Wengappuli.

Senany Dayaratne, Attorney-at-Law appeared for the Petitioners with Attorneys-at-Law Nishadi Wickramasinghe, Sankhitha Gunaratne and Lasanthika Hettiarachchi. DSG Nirmalan Wigneswaran, Attorney-at-Law appeared for the Respondents except the 45th and 46th Respondents.