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All major decisions on emergency purchase of 182 types of drugs taken in 2022 while second suspect was in the UK

Published

2 years ago

2023/12/7

Controversial purchase of ‘human immunoglobulin’ from private sector

The emergency procurement of 182 items of pharmaceutical drugs, including ‘human immunoglobulin’ (HI) and ‘rituximab,’ had been decided by the Health Ministry based on a Cabinet decision taken on 26th September 2022, as per documents issued by the then Secretary, Ministry of Health, and that soon thereafter offers had been invited by an Emergency Procurement Committee (EPC), headed by the then Health Ministry Secretary. Offers had been opened on 3rd October 2022 and that the successful bidders had been selected by the EPC and informed shortly thereafter of their selection, having obtained the recommendations of the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC).

These submissions were made before Maligakanda Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrema Weerasinghe by President’s Counsel M.M. Zuhair who appeared with Anjana Rathnasiri and Rizwan Uvais for Dr. Wickramanayake, the 2nd suspect in the controversial government decision to purchase 182 pharmaceuticals, including HI, from private sector suppliers, under the Indian line of credit of US $ 200 million offered by the Delhi government in March 2022.

During virtually the entire year in 2022, when all the major decisions were taken to purchase from local suppliers, as decided by the Cabinet including HI and other pharmaceuticals, Dr Kapila Wickramanayake was in the United Kingdom on an officially released assignment and was not the Director in the medical supplies division of the Health Ministry.

The 28/10/2022 letter of the Health Secretary, also states that letters of acceptance of the selected offers had already been issued to the successful suppliers.

The second suspect had nothing to do with any of the major relevant decisions relating to this purchase and on his resuming duties as the Director, MSD, in 2023, he had no personal involvement, even at the delivery point in the Health Ministry Stores.

These submissions, Zuhair PC said, were being made based on the CID reports of investigations, dated 1st and 20th November 2022, made to the Maligakanda Magistrate, following certain incidents of adverse reactions on some patients, allegedly from the human immunoglobulin supplied by the first suspect’s company.

He said that according to the CID investigations, filed in Court dated 1/11/2023, the first suspect’s company had apparently disclosed in their offer to the EPC that the raw material for the production of ‘HI’ will be imported from the named Indian manufacturer and produced in Sri Lanka and supplied by and on behalf of the Indian Company.

Zuhair PC urged the CID to produce to Court, the Health Secretary’s letter, dated 28/10/2022, addressed to the Deputy Director General of the medical supplies division requiring payments for supplies to be done within 45 days, failing which delayed payments will cost the Ministry an additional 3% monthly charge payable to the supplier by the Ministry, whereas the penalty for late deliveries and quantity failures payable by the supplier can be waived by the Ministry.

When all these happened here in 2022, the second suspect Dr Wickramanayake was working in the UK. He is entitled to bail as the Public Property Act has no application considering the facts of this case, he submitted.

According to paragraph 18 of the police investigations, Counsel said, the successful tenderer of the human immunoglobulin is alleged to have submitted a forged WOR to the Medical Supplies Division, which is subject to investigation. The said supplier is the first suspect.

If so, it is the officials in the Medical Supplies Division who had been cheated by the Supplier, and these officials could be important witnesses. The Magistrate reserved order for 13/12/2023.

Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama appeared on behalf of the Attorney General for the CID. Kalinga Indatissa PC appeared for the first suspect Sudath Janaka Fernando, the supplier. Kasun Chanaka AAL appeared for the third suspect Shanthini Soloman. Roland Perera PC appeared for the fourth suspect Niran Danajaya. Asoka Serasinghe AAL appeared for the fifth suspect Sujith Wasantha Kumara.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

13 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

Latest News

Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

18 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

18 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)