IntelScoops

Colombo, August 4, 2025 — As the trial surrounding the importation of substandard human immunoglobulin vials continues to draw public scrutiny, the spotlight has turned toward the individuals at the centre of one of Sri Lanka’s most serious public health procurement scandals in recent years. The case, now being heard before a Trial-at-Bar at the Colombo High Court, implicates a former cabinet minister, senior officials, and a pharmaceutical businessman—all accused of failing the healthcare system when oversight mattered most.

Sudath Janaka Fernando: The Businessman at the Centre

At the core of the controversy is Sudath Janaka Fernando, the owner of the pharmaceutical firm accused of importing and supplying substandard human immunoglobulin—an essential medication used to treat patients with immune deficiencies. Fernando has been in remand custody since May 2023, and the bail application he filed—after multiple denials from the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court—is now under consideration at the Colombo High Court, with a ruling due on August 7.

Fernando maintains that his company followed due process, but prosecutors allege he deliberately bypassed regulatory checks and used falsified documentation to clear shipments. His firm reportedly received millions of rupees in state contracts, with hospital staff later raising concerns over the quality of the vials supplied.

Keheliya Rambukwella: The Political Heavyweight Under Fire

Also facing trial is Keheliya Rambukwella, a veteran politician and former Minister of Health. Rambukwella has denied any wrongdoing, claiming decisions made during his tenure were based on the advice of technical experts amid urgent procurement needs. However, the Attorney General’s Department contends that Rambukwella failed to exercise his duty of care, allowing unsafe products to enter the public health system.

With his long career in government now under severe scrutiny, Rambukwella’s future in politics may depend on the outcome of this trial.

Health Ministry Officials: Failures in Oversight

Several senior Health Ministry officials who served on procurement and technical committees have also been indicted. Though their names remain officially undisclosed until the court concludes proceedings, investigators say these officials bypassed mandatory regulatory procedures and approved importations that did not meet the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) standards.

Internal ministry memos and procurement records reportedly reveal lapses in documentation and conflicts of interest.

The Judiciary: Ensuring Accountability

Presiding over the proceedings is a specially appointed Trial-at-Bar, comprising three senior judges of the Colombo High Court. Justice Indrika Kalingawansa, who currently oversees bail hearings, stated that the court would carefully weigh the implications of prolonged detention versus public interest when deciding on Fernando’s bail request.

Legal analysts view the judiciary’s handling of this case as a test of institutional integrity, given the public outrage and the critical nature of the charges.

The Attorney General’s Department: Building the Case

Prosecutors from the Attorney General’s Department have presented an extensive portfolio of evidence, including laboratory test results, procurement emails, and witness statements from medical professionals who raised concerns over patient safety. The state maintains that the case goes beyond administrative failure—it represents a collapse of ethical governance.

Public Impact and Outlook

The immunoglobulin scandal has cast a long shadow over Sri Lanka’s public health system, with families of patients demanding accountability and reforms. As the case unfolds in the coming months, the country watches closely—not just for justice, but for assurances that such a failure will not be repeated.

The bail ruling scheduled for August 7 is expected to be a key moment in the proceedings, potentially signalling how the court intends to approach individual responsibility amid systemic breakdowns.