September 16, Colombo (LNW): Former Cabinet Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, along with several other individuals, was formally indicted today (16) before a special three-judge bench at the Colombo High Court over allegations of misappropriating public funds in connection with the procurement of substandard human immunoglobulin vials during the previous administration.
The charges stem from a high-profile investigation into irregularities in the purchase of vital medical supplies, which reportedly involved the use of state funds to acquire immunoglobulin injections that failed to meet established pharmaceutical standards.
Following the reading of the indictments, Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General’s Department, informed the bench of the state’s strong opposition to granting bail for the accused.
The prosecution maintains that the gravity of the offences, the potential for interference with witnesses, and the broader implications for public trust in government procurement processes necessitate remand custody at this stage.
Defence counsel representing the accused began presenting arguments in favour of bail, urging the court to consider their clients’ cooperation with the investigation thus far and citing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
