A Colombo court sends Hemali Wijeratne, daughter of neurosurgeon Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, to remand over alleged threats to a Bribery Commission official. The dramatic twist comes as her mother faces explosive charges in a high-stakes medical fraud case.
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has remanded Hemali Wijeratne, daughter of Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital neurosurgeon Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, until July 9, following her arrest by Keselwatte Police on accusations of threatening to kill an official of the Bribery Commission.
The court also ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Hemali, instructing prison authorities to submit a detailed mental health report.
Hemali, arrested by Keselwatte Police, was presented before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga on July 7.
What is the Charge?
The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Keselwatte Police told the court that Hemali allegedly threatened to kill a Bribery Commission officer after a trial on July 4, outside court premises. The OIC noted that such threats to public officers are punishable under Sections 347 and 486 of the Penal Code.
The OIC requested Hemali be remanded, stating CCTV evidence is needed and further investigations are pending. The alleged threat is linked to an ongoing bribery case involving Hemali’s mother.
Defense Counsel Responds
President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, representing Hemali, stated she is a 21-year-old student at an overseas university and is not fluent in Sinhala. He argued that Hemali was under intense stress and had only exclaimed, “I am dying,” which was misinterpreted.
The defense stated Hemali had voluntarily visited Kurunduwatta Police to provide a statement and had sent a clarification to the Director General of the Bribery Commission via email.
Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne’s Case: Medical Fraud and Alleged Threats
Meanwhile, Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne remains in remand custody over allegations that she sold medical equipment valued at Rs. 50,000 to patients for as much as Rs. 175,000 through a private company. Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga denied bail for the doctor and two other suspects, remanding them until July 8.
The case was taken up on June 24. Nimal Ranjith Muthukuda and K.L. Indika, a hospital clerk, were produced in court by prison authorities.
According to a Bribery Commission officer, Dr. Wijeratne allegedly instructed patients to purchase the surgical item EVD from outside sources, despite it being available at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital for Rs. 17,500. Investigators revealed the items were sold for Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 250,000 through a company linked to Dr. Wijeratne.
The company, M.N.M. Medical Service, is reportedly tied to Dr. Wijeratne’s late husband. Ownership was later transferred to the doctor, according to investigations.
Evidence of Price Discrimination and Unethical Referrals
Statements from 88 patients suggest Dr. Wijeratne varied prices based on patient status. Bills reveal that equipment was procured from Hemafarm and resold at inflated prices. The hospital had emergency procedures for acquiring the item internally within two hours, but Dr. Wijeratne allegedly blocked procurement by not submitting necessary specifications.
Following a complaint by Chamara Abeywardena, he was allegedly paid Rs. 200,000 to drop the issue by a lawyer named Kariyawasam.
As of June 23, the Bribery Commission had received 92 calls regarding the case.
Threats to Whistleblower Reported
The Bribery Commission also told court that Chamara Prasad Abeywardena, the original complainant, has received death threats.
Defense Argues Back
President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris argued media presence at the doctor’s arrest was coordinated by the Bribery Commission. He claimed that social media has sparked artificial outrage.
He contended that purchasing medical equipment outside of the public procurement system is routine at Jayewardenepura Hospital and often necessary due to poor quality government-supplied goods.
Anuja Premaratne, PC, representing the hospital clerk, said Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijayamuni had previously approved the practice.
Bribery Commission Fires Back
Assistant Director Sulochana Hettiarachchi countered that Dr. Wijeratne performed surgeries on patients with minor injuries and even on critically ill individuals without necessity. In one instance, a post-mortem revealed a patient had been dead for five days before surgery.
Hettiarachchi emphasized that Dr. Wijeratne wields significant political influence and warned that granting her bail could compromise the investigation.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Jayatunga denied bail and ordered continued remand until July 8.
