August 04, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has postponed its decision on a bail request submitted by Sudath Janaka Fernando, a businessman at the centre of a high-profile pharmaceutical procurement scandal.
Fernando, who has been in remand custody for over 18 months, is the primary accused in a case involving the supply of allegedly substandard human immunoglobulin to Sri Lanka’s state-run healthcare system.
The bail ruling, originally expected today (04), has been rescheduled for August 07, following a brief hearing presided over by High Court Judge Indrika Kalingawansa.
Fernando stands accused alongside several others, including former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella. The matter is currently being heard before a special Trial-at-Bar panel of the High Court, established due to the gravity and complexity of the allegations.
According to court submissions, Fernando has repeatedly sought release from custody, citing prolonged detention without conviction and what his legal team argues is a lack of direct evidence linking him to the alleged importation of faulty medical supplies. He also pointed out that the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court has consistently rejected his previous bail applications, prompting his legal team to appeal to the High Court for reconsideration.
At the core of the case are shipments of human immunoglobulin—an essential blood-derived medicine used in the treatment of immune deficiencies and neurological disorders—which were allegedly brought into the country without proper authorisation or quality assurance.
The controversy sparked public outcry and prompted investigations into regulatory lapses, as well as the alleged involvement of politically connected individuals.
Fernando’s defence argues that the delays in proceedings and prolonged remand period violate his fundamental rights and that the court should consider bail under strict conditions, pending trial. However, prosecutors maintain that releasing the accused at this stage could jeopardise the integrity of the ongoing case, given its far-reaching implications and the possibility of interference with witnesses or evidence.
