A senior hospital official who exposed alleged large-scale corruption now finds himself suspended, raising urgent questions about accountability, whistleblower protection, and transparency in Sri Lanka’s public health system.
The Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital, Dr. Rukshan Bellana, has been suspended with immediate effect, according to official notifications issued by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media. The suspension follows a preliminary investigation and comes amid a widening controversy linked to alleged corruption, irregular procurement practices, and substandard medicines within the country’s largest state hospital.
Dr. Bellana had earlier informed the Public Service Commission that he was facing retaliation after exposing alleged corruption, fraud, and irregularities in the main laboratories of the Colombo National Hospital. In June 2025, he formally lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, citing serious concerns over laboratory operations and procurement processes.
As part of these allegations, the Auditor General has conducted an audit inquiry into what is described as a major fraud exceeding Rs. 900 million related to the purchase of chemical reagents. The Department of Health was also requested to carry out a separate investigation into the matter, significantly escalating the gravity of the claims.
Following the complaint, Dr. Bellana alleges that he was subjected to sustained pressure and repeated disciplinary inquiries initiated by Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe. According to Bellana, he has faced approximately six investigations on various administrative issues, none of which directly relate to the alleged corruption or financial fraud he reported. He claims these inquiries were designed to intimidate and discredit him as a key witness.
Dr. Bellana has further alleged that Dr. Anil Jasinghe, who previously served as Director of the Colombo National Hospital nearly a decade ago before becoming Director General of Health Services, played a role in decisions that enabled illegal laboratory purchases. He says this responsibility was confirmed during audit proceedings. He has also named Dr. Kumara Wickramasinghe, a former hospital director and current Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health, alleging that questionable practices continued under his tenure.
According to Bellana, both officials have been pursuing disciplinary action against him for alleged acts of misconduct unrelated to corruption, while attempting to influence or neutralize his role as a whistleblower. He has claimed that one objective behind these actions is to resume the procurement of chemical reagents, which he had halted under his official authority due to concerns over legality and quality.
Dr. Bellana has requested the Public Service Commission to take action against him only if there is a completed disciplinary investigation supported by credible evidence, stating that he has complied with all lawful orders issued by the Health Secretary.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised the issue in Parliament, alleging that Dr. Bellana was suspended after speaking publicly about substandard medicines. Premadasa claimed that two deaths had occurred due to substandard drugs, describing the situation as a violation of the fundamental rights of citizens.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that the suspension was carried out under instructions from the Health Services Committee of the Public Service Commission. According to the official letter issued by Acting Secretary Dr. W.K. Wickramasinghe, the primary allegation against Dr. Bellana is that he made statements to the media without prior approval, creating public unrest and controversy.
The suspension has been imposed under Section 31:1:15 of Chapter XLVIII of the Establishments Code and includes several conditions. Dr. Bellana must hand over all government property in his possession, remain within Sri Lanka, notify authorities of any change of residence, and forfeit the usual privileges of a public official. The ministry has stated that formal disciplinary proceedings will follow and that all relevant departments have been informed.
The case has intensified debate around whistleblower protection, public sector accountability, corruption in healthcare procurement, and the balance between administrative discipline and the public’s right to know.
