January 16, Colombo (LNW): A demonstration was staged in front of the Ministry of Health this (16) afternoon, marked by a fervent demand for the arrest of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.
The protesters alleged that the former minister jeopardised patient lives by permitting the importation of substandard medicines.
The roots of this protest trace back to January 1, when individuals, including Dr. Chamal Sanjeeva, laid a wreath in protest in front of Rambukwella’s residence in Colombo.
This act was a response to the ex-minister’s alleged involvement in allowing substandard medicines into the country. A complaint was filed against three individuals, including Dr. Chamal Sanjeeva, following this demonstration.
As part of the protest today, two replicas of corpses were brought to the site, symbolising death, in addition to wreaths. A street play condemning the ex minister’s actions was also added to the demonstration.
The protesters initially intended to march from the Ministry of Health to the police station with the effigies and wreaths. However, due to police restrictions, they opted to transport the symbolic elements in a vehicle to the Kuruduwatta Police station.
Tensions arose between the Police and protesters as they were not permitted to proceed on foot. Consequently, replicas of wreaths and corpses were placed in front of the Police station, resulting in additional confrontations.
Notably, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP, Dr. Kavinda Jayawardena, arrived at the scene to express his solidarity with the protest. However, he faced severe opposition from the demonstrators, who asserted that a robust opposition would prevent the government from engaging in activities detrimental to human welfare.
Despite the protests, Jayawardena left the scene.
The demonstration garnered support from civil society activists and various individuals concerned about the alleged actions of the former Health Minister.
Photo Courtesy: Ajith Senevirathne
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