A shocking scandal unfolds as ex-Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella is charged in a drug fraud case where deadly bacteria and salt water were injected into patients instead of real medicine. WHO and German labs confirm the horrifying truth. Find out how this billion-rupee scam was uncovered.
The substandard drug import scandal and the immunoglobulin antibody scam, a crisis that erupted during the tenure of the previous Sri Lankan government, has gripped national attention. The case has intensified following the arrest of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and members of his family.
Fresh and disturbing details emerged on June 19 at the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court. Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama informed the court that the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed in a report that a batch of human immunoglobulin distributed to public hospitals using forged documents and Indian credit loans contained toxic bacteria. Additionally, an antibody vaccine known as Rituximab, intended for cancer patients, reportedly consisted of nothing more than salt water.
Here are 12 critical questions and answers to help you understand the full scope of this medical fraud:
1. What are the charges?
Keheliya Rambukwella is accused of orchestrating a large-scale medical fraud involving the importation of human immunoglobulin for neurological patients and Rituximab for cancer patients. These drugs were imported using forged documentation under India’s loan assistance scheme. Distributed to hospitals islandwide, these so-called medications were said to be nothing more than contaminated water and saline solution, causing potential harm to patients. The court was told that this fraudulent supply cost the country around Rs. 14.5 million.
2. Who has been accused?
Twelve individuals have been named as defendants in the case:
- Sugath Janaka Fernando, owner of Isolez Biotech Pharma
- Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake, Director of Medical Supplies Division
- Shanthini Solomon, Assistant Director of Medical Supplies
- Neran Dhananjaya, Supplies Division Accountant
- Sujith Kumara, Wholesale Controller (granted bail)
- Janaka Sri Chandragupta, former Health Secretary
- Dr. H.M.D.R. Herath, Deputy Director General of Medical Supplies
- Keheliya Rambukwella, former Health Minister
- Dr. Jayanath Butpitiya, member of the Emergency Procurement Committee (currently abroad)
- Dr. Saman Ratnayake, Additional Secretary to the Health Ministry (currently abroad)
- Dr. Thusitha Sudarshana, Director at the Medical Supplies Division
- Vijith Gunasekara, former Chairman of the Medicines Regulatory Authority
3. Who filed the case?
The case stems from complaints filed by Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, Chairman of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, and Kamantha Thushara, Chairman of the Citizen Power Against Corruption and Waste Organization. Their complaint prompted the CID to initiate investigations on October 13, 2023.
4. What happened at the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court?
Deputy Solicitor General Girihagama reiterated that the WHO had verified the presence of deadly bacteria in the immunoglobulin and saline water in the Rituximab samples. She pointed out that then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe admitted Keheliya Rambukwella presented the cabinet paper authorizing these imports. The DSG confirmed the one-year-and-eight-month-long investigation is now complete, and charges have been filed before the Permanent High Court.
A CID Sub-Inspector also presented a detailed report on the fraudulent procurement of these antibody vaccines under the Indian credit line, confirming millions in losses and public endangerment.
5. What did the German laboratory report say?
On May 6, 2024, a WHO-approved lab in Germany conducted tests on the questionable drugs. The findings were damning: the alleged immunoglobulin had zero medicinal value and was contaminated with toxic bacteria, while the Rituximab samples given to cancer patients were confirmed to be saline solution.
6. How was the drug procurement conducted?
Ravi Kumudesh, President of the Health Professionals’ Association, detailed the procurement process that began in September 2022. A cabinet paper proposing the purchase of 182 essential medicines under India’s credit facility was submitted on September 26, with tenders advertised even before cabinet approval. On October 3, the tender closed and the supplier was selected just days later, bypassing standard protocols.
7. How was the fraud uncovered?
The scandal unraveled due to internal concerns within the health sector about irregular procurement. Kumudesh noted that only pre-selected companies were allowed to import the medicine. Investigations revealed that the Indian manufacturer listed on the documents denied ever producing or exporting such drugs to Sri Lanka. No records of the drug shipment were found at local ports, raising strong suspicion that the substances were locally manufactured.
8. How were the vaccines distributed?
Kumudesh said although the government had placed an order for 22,500 immunoglobulin vaccines, only 3,000 to 4,000 were supplied by the local agent to hospitals in small batches.
9. How many patients were harmed?
Exact figures remain unknown. Kumudesh said there are no confirmed deaths directly caused by the fake drugs, but complications from ineffective treatment may have led to indirect harm. Dr. Sanjeewa reported that over 150 patients had lost their eyesight due to these substandard drugs.
10. What did President Wickremesinghe tell the CID?
On June 11, 2025, the CID recorded a statement from former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He stated that Rambukwella had submitted the cabinet paper requesting emergency drug imports and was fully responsible. Wickremesinghe emphasized that cabinet approval was granted solely based on the justification given by Rambukwella.
11. What is Human Immunoglobulin?
Dr. Sanjeewa explained that human immunoglobulin is a life-saving treatment for individuals with immune deficiencies. It is derived from blood plasma and administered to stabilize antibody levels in vulnerable patients, especially children and those with chronic conditions.
12. What is the status of the accused now?
The CID concluded its investigation in one year and eight months. The final case file was submitted to the Attorney General on February 6. Legal proceedings are now set to take place before the Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar.
