By Roy Denish
Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has told the Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar that the Cabinet memorandum relating to the controversial emergency procurement of pharmaceutical products was processed on the instructions of former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
COLOMBO – Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told the Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar that the Cabinet memorandum associated with the controversial emergency importation of pharmaceutical products was processed under the direct instructions of former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The high-profile case centres on allegations of procurement irregularities, misappropriation of state funds and the importation of substandard medicines during the previous administration.
During the court session, proceedings continued amid ongoing legal arguments concerning accountability within the executive branch and the Ministry of Health.
The prosecution, led by Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama on behalf of the Attorney General, continues to present evidence concerning alleged procedural violations and compromised pharmaceutical standards. Meanwhile, defence submissions have increasingly focused on Cabinet-level authorisation of the emergency imports.
The court proceedings also addressed the absence of the ninth defendant, Dr. Jayanath Buthpitiya, who has reportedly failed to appear before the court. Consequently, the judiciary has proceeded with hearings in his absence.
The case highlights broader concerns regarding transparency, emergency procurement procedures and public health safeguards in Sri Lanka.
Further hearings have been scheduled as the court continues to examine the testimonies, evidence and documentation presented by the prosecution and defence.
