Auditor General Conducting Forensic Audit Into Health Ministry Procurements Under Former Minister Keheliya

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Attorney General today informed the Supreme Court that the Auditor General is conducting a forensic audit into the procurement of medicines and medical supplies by the Ministry of Health during the tenure of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

This disclosure came as a Fundamental Rights petition filed by Transparency International Sri Lanka was taken up before a three-judge bench, comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Achala Wengappulli, and Arjuna Obeyesekere.

Deputy Solicitor General Nirmalan Wigneswaran, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, told the court that over 600 separate purchases from the period in question are currently under audit. He also confirmed that the Criminal Investigation Department is conducting a separate investigation into the matter.

The petition, filed by TISL, names former Minister Rambukwella and several ministry officials, alleging that procurement breaches violated the fundamental rights of the public. Counsel for the petitioner requested a date be set for the formal hearing.

Meanwhile, a counsel for one of the respondents noted that a prior motion had only been addressed by a single judge.

After reviewing the submissions, the Supreme Court bench scheduled the case to be recalled on May 20th to further consider the motion filed by the respondent.