On Wednesday, April 3, the Colombo High Court rejected a bail revision request filed on behalf of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. The verdict was delivered by High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka.
Background of the Case
Rambukwella has been in remand custody following allegations of involvement in the procurement of substandard human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detained him on February 2, 2024, citing his alleged role in approving a batch of faulty medical vials.
In October 2023, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) revealed that counterfeit documents had been used for Customs clearance to secure these vials. Subsequent quality inspections determined that the vials were substandard, raising serious concerns about patient safety.
Legal Proceedings
Maligakanda Magistrate's Court Decision
The Maligakanda Magistrate's Court initially refused to grant bail, leading Rambukwella's legal team to file a revision application with the Colombo High Court on March 15, 2024. In the application, Rambukwella argued that the Magistrate’s decision was unjust and requested release on bail with or without conditions.
High Court Verdict
Despite these efforts, the High Court upheld the Magistrate’s decision, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing investigation.
Other Accused Individuals
- Janaka Chandragupta (Former Health Secretary)
- Dr. Saman Ratnayake (Additional Health Secretary)
- Kapila Wickremenayake (Director of the Medical Supplies Division - MSD)
- Thusitha Sudarshana (Deputy Director of MSD)
- Devashantha Soloman (Assistant MSD Director)
- Neran Dhananjaya (MSD Accountant)
- Sujith Kumara (MSD Stock Controller)
- Proprietor of the supplying company
The NMRA’s findings highlighted procedural lapses, including the use of forged documents, which allowed the clearance of the faulty IVIG vials.
Public and Civil Society Reaction
Rambukwella's arrest followed significant pressure from civil society activists and healthcare trade unions, who had called for accountability regarding the substandard medical supplies.
Healthcare Governance Concerns
This case underscores the importance of robust quality assurance processes in Sri Lanka’s healthcare system. The alleged procurement of substandard IVIG vials has raised awareness about the need for:
- Transparent procurement procedures
- Stringent regulatory oversight
- Accountability in public sector health projects
Conclusion
The ongoing legal proceedings against Keheliya Rambukwella and other officials reflect the government’s commitment to addressing lapses in healthcare governance. As investigations continue, the case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of transparency and quality control in safeguarding public health.
Footnotes
- National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). (2023). Official Statement on IVIG Procurement. Colombo: NMRA Publications.
- Criminal Investigation Department (CID). (2024). Official Arrest Report on Keheliya Rambukwella. Colombo: CID Publications.
- Daily News Sri Lanka. (2024). Former Health Minister Arrested Over IVIG Scandal. Colombo: Daily News Publications.
- Colombo High Court. (2024). Court Order on Keheliya Rambukwella's Bail Application. Colombo: High Court Publications.
- Medical Supplies Division (MSD). (2023-2024). Official Statements on IVIG Procurement Investigation. Colombo: MSD Publications.
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