Supreme Court finds Keheliya, key officials liable in drug procurement case

Colombo, March 27 (Daily Mirror) - The Supreme Court today held former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and several top health sector officials accountable for violating the Fundamental Rights of the people over a controversial drug procurement deal that caused serious public harm.

Delivering its judgment in a Fundamental Rights petition filed by Transparency International Sri Lanka, the Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justice Kumudini Wickremasinghe and Justice Janak De Silva found that the Secretary to the Ministry of Health, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) and the Director of the Medical Supplies Division were also responsible for the fundamental rights violations.

The Court ruled that the granting of a Waiver of Registration by the authorities at the time was “wrongful, arbitrary, and capricious.” It further held that the procurement of medicines through a direct contract on an unsolicited basis was unlawful, declaring the transaction null and void.

In a significant order, the Court directed the former Health Minister to pay Rs. 75 million in compensation, while each of the other respondents was ordered to pay Rs. 50 million.

The Supreme Court also instructed the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to initiate appropriate action under the Anti-Corruption Act against those found responsible.

Senior Counsel Senany Dayaratne with Nishadi Wickramasinghe, Lasanthika Hettiarachchi, Janani Abeywickrema, Maheshika Bandara appeared for the petitioners.