Early 2023: Suspicion and Initial Investigation
March 2023: Health authorities begin investigating the alleged distribution of substandard human immunoglobulin vials in state hospitals. April 2023: Several hospitals report irregularities in the efficacy and labelling of immunoglobulin stock received from a local supplier.
May 2023: Arrests and Detentions
May 10, 2023: Sudath Janaka Fernando, owner of the pharmaceutical supplier linked to the substandard vials, is arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Late May 2023: Former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella and multiple senior health officials are named in the investigation for alleged abuse of procurement protocols.
June 2023: Court Proceedings Begin
A case is filed before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court, where bail applications for Fernando are consistently denied over concerns of evidence tampering and flight risk.
October 2023: Widening of the Probe
CID confirms that multiple consignments of human immunoglobulin imported through Fernando’s firm failed quality testing. International suppliers and customs processes are also reviewed.
January 2024: Charges Filed
The Attorney General formally indicts Keheliya Rambukwella, Sudath Janaka Fernando, and several former Health Ministry officials on charges including criminal negligence, misuse of public funds, and endangering public health.
March 2024: Trial-at-Bar Appointed
Due to the gravity of the case, a Trial-at-Bar is constituted at the Colombo High Court, composed of three senior judges.
May 2025: Trial Begins
Court sessions begin with witness testimony from medical professionals, health inspectors, and procurement officials. Fernando’s legal team files renewed bail applications, citing lengthy pre-trial detention and health concerns.
August 4, 2025: Bail Order Postponed
Colombo High Court Judge Indrika Kalingawansa postpones the order on Fernando’s bail application, setting a new date for August 7, 2025. Fernando argues that the lower court’s repeated refusals have resulted in unjustified extended detention.
What’s Next?
August 7, 2025: The High Court is expected to rule on whether Fernando will be granted bail, marking a potentially significant turn in the case. The main trial continues in parallel, with hearings scheduled through the remainder of 2025.
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