Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and seven others have been extended in remand until 20 May by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court in relation to the import of substandard human immunoglobulin vials. This decision was made during the court session held today (06).
Conversely, one suspect linked to the case was granted bail and released today. Dr. Thusitha Sudarshana, the former Deputy Director of the Medical Supplies Division at the Health Ministry, was among those released on bail.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Rambukwella on 2 February regarding the acquisition of substandard human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), following a court order. He underwent extensive questioning for nearly 10 hours before being taken into custody.
This arrest followed calls from civil society activists and health sector unions for swift action against the lawmaker.
Before Rambukwella's arrest, seven individuals were arrested in connection with the drug procurement scandal. The fifth suspect was later granted bail. Currently, the former Health Secretary, the Director of the Health Ministry’s Medical Supplies Division (MSD), three other division officials, and the supplier of the substandard immunoglobulin vials remain in remand.
