Keheliya Rambukwella, 11 Others Granted Bail in Fake Medicine Case

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo High Court Trial at bar today enlarged on bail 12 suspects, including former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. 

These suspects were arrested and remanded in connection with a case involving the procurement of fake medicine. After extensive deliberation, the Colombo High Court Trial at bar granted bail to the 12 accused. Each of them were ordered to pay a cash bail of Rs. 500,000 and provide two sureties worth Rs. 5 million each. 

The accused are facing 13 indictments. They are accused of conspiring to embezzle Rs. 144.4 million by supplying 6,195 vials of non-medicinal substances, falsely labeled as Human Immunoglobulin and Rituximab, to the Medical Supplies Division of the Ministry of Health.

The case is being heard before the Colombo high court trial at bar, comprising of Justices Mahen Weeraman, Amali Ranaweera, and Pradeep Abeyratne.

The accused in this case include Sudath Janaka Fernando, owner of the pharmaceutical company; Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake, former Director of the Medical Supplies Division; Shanthini Solomon, Assistant Director of the Medical Supplies Division; Neran Dhananjaya, Accountant of the Medical Supplies Division; Sujith Kumara, Stock Controller of the Medical Supplies Division; Janaka Sri Chandragupta, former Secretary to the Ministry of Health; Dr. Herath Mudiyanselage Dharmasiri Rathnakumara Herath, Deputy Director General of the Medical Supplies Unit; Keheliya Rambukwella, former Minister of Health; Dr. Jayanath Butpitiya, member of the Emergency Procurement Committee; Dr. Saman Ratnayake, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health; Dr. Arambegedara Thusitha Sudarshana, a Director of the Medical Supplies Division; and Vijith Gunasekara, former Chairman of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority.

Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department transported the documents related to the case in a small lorry.

The first accused, Sudath Janaka Fernando, who is currently in remand custody, was brought to court by prison officers.

The ninth accused, Dr. Jayanath Butpitiya who worked at the Medical Supplies Division, did not appear in court today. His lawyer informed court that he is currently overseas.

As a result, the remaining 11 defendants were formally served with indictments in open court.

After handing over indictments , Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama informed court that the Attorney General strongly objects to granting bail to the accused.

Excerpt
"Given the serious nature of the case and the public concern surrounding it, I oppose granting bail to the accused at this time. Although the Magistrate’s Court previously granted bail, it is necessary to reassess if there are any special conditions under the Bail Act to justify such bail now."

Attorneys for the Accused, including President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, Nalin Ladduwahetti, Priyantha Nawana, and Sarath Jayamanne, submitted seperate bail applications on behalf of the accused.

The defense argued that since the Magistrate's Court had already granted bail after evaluating specific factors, there is no need to remand the defendants again at this stage.

Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama countered this, saying the Attorney General represents both the public and the victims, and a fair trial is crucial.

She further noted that the reasons presented earlier to obtain bail are no longer applicable.

After a brief adjournment of 10 minutes, the bench delivered its decision.

The court ordered for all 12 defendants to be enlarged on bail.

Sudath Janaka Fernando, the first accused and owner of the pharmaceutical company, was granted bail today after spending 1 year, 8 months, and 10 days in remand custody. The court allowed his release upon fulfilling the required bail conditions.

The case will be taken up again on the 31st of October.