News

Keheliya re-remanded; Chandragupta bailed

Published

8 months ago

August 8, 2024

editor

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and 03 other suspects implicated in the alleged importation of substandard immunoglobulin vials have been further remanded until August 22.

The order was issued after the defendants were produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court today (08).

Meanwhile, former Health Secretary Janaka Chandraguptha and former Additional Health Secretary, who were also in remand custody, have been granted bail by the court.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Rambukwella on 02 February over his alleged complicity in the procurement of substandard IVIG vials.

The arrest came hot on the heels of pressure from civil society activists and health sector trade unionists, who called for the immediate apprehension of the lawmaker.

In October 2023, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) revealed that forged documents were found to have been submitted for Customs clearance to procure a batch of vials containing human immunoglobulin, an antibody produced by blood plasma cells, which later failed the quality tests.

Prior to the apprehension of Rambukwella, seven arrests had been made in connection with the drug procurement scam. But the fifth accused was later released on bail.

As such, the former Health Secretary, former Additional Health Secretary, the Director of the Health Ministry’s Medical Supplies Division (MSD) and three other officials of the same division, as well as the owner of the company, which is said to have supplied the substandard batch of immunoglobulin vials, were arrested and remanded over the case.

Meanwhile, one of the suspects in the case, former Deputy Director of the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry, Dr. Thusitha Sudarshana, was released on bail when the case was previously taken up on May 06.

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal on July 25 ordered the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court to release on bail the former Director of the Health Ministry’s Medical Supplies Division, Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake, who was also in remand custody.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Indian PM Narendra Modi arrives in Sri Lanka (Pics)

Published

1 hour ago

April 4, 2025

editor

Indian Prime Minister – Narendra Modi has arrived in Sri Lanka for a two-day official visit, following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

PM Modi’s official X handle states, ” Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, along with Minister of Health and Mass Media – Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources – Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Women and Child Affairs – Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Science and Technology – Chrishantha Abeysena and Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Anil Jayantha extended a warm and distinguished welcome to the Indian Prime Minister and his delegation.

The Indian Prime Minister is accompanied by India’s Minister of External Affairs – Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor – Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary – Vikram Misri and other senior government officials.

PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka is being conducted under the theme “Friendship of Centuries – Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” reaffirming the enduring bond between Sri Lanka and India and their shared commitment to a thriving future.

This marks Indian Prime Minister’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, highlighting the longstanding economic, cultural and historical ties between the two nations. The primary objectives of this State visit are to further strengthen bilateral ties and to enhance multifaceted cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

During this visit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Anura Kumara Disanayake. He is also scheduled to pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and will inaugurate several projects implemented in Sri Lanka with the assistance of the Government of India.

News

Illukpitiya’s bail application rejected

Published

8 hours ago

April 4, 2025

editor

The Supreme Court rejected a bail application filed on behalf of former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, who is currently in remand custody for contempt of court.The decision was delivered by Supreme Court Justice Achala Wengappuli, with the concurrence of Justices Preethi Padman Surasena and Gamini Amarasekara.

Delivering the decision, the judge stated that a date has already been set for the hearing of the case on May 8.

On September 25, 2024, the Supreme Court ordered Harsha Ilukpitiya to be remanded until the conclusion of the contempt of court proceedings for failing to implement the Court’s order regarding the controversial visa deal. This order was issued against the respondent under Section 9(7) of the Contempt of Court, Tribunal, or Institution Act No. 08 of 2024.

News

Inmate murdered at Boossa Prison

Published

8 hours ago

April 4, 2025

editor

An inmate being held under remand custody at the Boossa High-Security Prison, has been murdered using a sharp weapon.

The deceased inmate has been identified as Nanda Kumar Shivananda (46) and according to reports, he had sustained 11 stab wounds.

Prison authorities suspect that the murder was carried out by another inmate currently serving a prison sentence at the same prison facility,