CID to question 18 former ministers over substandard drugs scandal

Wednesday, 13 November 2024 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Maligakanda Chief Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrama has ordered the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to obtain statements from 18 former cabinet ministers, including former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, regarding their role in approving the importation of 182 types of substandard drugs under former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

Accordingly, the CID will record statements from former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and other cabinet members Nimal Siripala de Silva, Douglas Devananda, Susil Premajayantha, Bandula Gunawardena, Mahinda Amaraweera, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Harin Fernando, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Prasanna Ranatunga, Vidura Wickramanayake, Kanchana Wijesekera, Naseer Ahmed, Roshan Ranasinghe, Tiran Alles, Nalin Fernando, and State Minister Jagath Pushpakumara.

The decision follows a request by Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama yesterday to issue an order for statements from these former cabinet members, aiming to clarify their involvement and decisions around the medicine import approvals.

The court also looked into the mental health status of the primary suspect in the case, Sudath Janaka Fernando, who is currently in custody and receiving treatment at the National Institute of Mental Health in Angoda. Magistrate Abeywickrama noted that the report on Fernando’s mental condition had exceeded typical parameters, indicating that a decision on further action would be made in the next hearing.

Additionally, the Magistrate questioned the inclusion of certain paragraphs in the mental health report, which contained statements made by Fernando regarding Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama. The Magistrate raised concerns over the suspect’s allegations, emphasising that without substantiated evidence of personal motives or retaliation, such claims should not impede Girihagama’s role in the case. Girihagama addressed the court, confirming her appointment by the Attorney General last year and stating that any issues regarding her position would be subject to the Attorney General’s decision.

The case is set to resume on 25 November and the Magistrate has ordered the continued remand of the suspect until then.