Keheliya & Co. Remanded in Medicine Procurement Scandal

COLOMBO (News 1st); Nine suspects, among them Keheliya Rambukwella, the former health minister, have been remanded until April 8th in relation to the medicine procurement scandal.

The case was taken up this afternoon at the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrived at the court today in a prison van, while the remaining suspects were transported in a prison bus.

The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court is hearing a case involving the illicit acquisition of counterfeit drugs from an unregistered company.

These spurious medications were subsequently introduced into the hospital system, masquerading as Humal Immunoglobulin and Rituximab.

Among the suspects implicated in this intricate web of deception are several prominent figures: Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Former Health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta, Additional Secretary Saman Rathnayake, Company Owner Sudath Janaka Fernando, Former Director of the Medical, and Supplies Division Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake.

During today’s court proceedings, the Deputy Solicitor General provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing investigation.

She sought permission to inquire from the Director General of Health Services about the distribution of the two questionable drugs within hospital systems.

Additionally, she requested details regarding the patients who received these medicines and the specific wards involved.

The Additional Solicitor General also sought permission to delve into the complications experienced by patients who were administered these drugs. This includes investigating any unfortunate fatalities that occurred as a result.

In light of these serious allegations, Maligakanda Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrama granted permission and remanded the suspects until April 8th.

Meanwhile, in a separate legal development, a petition was filed in the Court of Appeal on behalf of Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake, the remanded ex-director of the Medical Supplies Division.

The petition seeks a writ order to suspend the ongoing case against Dr. Wickramanayake in the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court and release him on bail under any necessary conditions.

President’s Counsel Dr. Romesh De Silva and President’s Counsel Sarath Jayamanna represent the petitioner.

The Court of Appeal Judge, D.M. Samarakoon, ordered that the petition will be reconvened on April 1st to consider the facts.

(News 1st's Court Correspondent Contributed To This Report)