Former Health Minister Rambukwella Granted Bail Amid Scandal

News Today: Former Health Minister Rambukwella granted bail

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, along with two others, was granted bail by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court on charges related to the alleged importation of substandard human Immunoglobulin vials. The court released Rambukwella on a cash bail of Rs.100,000 and imposed two sureties of Rs.5 million each. A travel ban was also placed on the suspects. The other accused, former Health Ministry Deputy Director Rathnakumara Herath and former National Medicines Regulatory Authority CEO Dr. Vijith Gunasekera, were granted bail under similar conditions.

The prosecution, led by Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama, requested that Rambukwella be sent to the Colombo National Hospital or National Institute of Mental Health for treatment, citing his health conditions. However, Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrama rejected this request, stating that bail would be granted due to the former minister’s medical situation. Rambukwella was initially arrested in February in connection with the alleged crime, which sparked widespread concern over the importation of unsafe medical supplies.