• Keheliya to be grilled by CID

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

Referring to the investigations over the import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella is in hot water as he has been summoned by the CID to provide a statement with the probe nearing completion.    

According to informed sources, despite Rambukwella being summoned to the CID last morning, he had not visited the CID over reasonable grounds. However, the former health minister has requested the CID to provide him another date so that he could provide a statement   

The CID did record a statement from him earlier where he volunteered to provide a statement over the incident.   

In addition, a statement was also obtained from Dr Saman Ratnayake, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health yesterday (31).   With regard to the ongoing investigations related to the substandard Immunoglobulin scandal, several officials including former Health Secretary, the Director of the Medical Supplies Division are currently in remand custody.   
According to sources, the top health official who could possibly be in hot water besides Dr Saman Ratnayake include former NMRA CEO Dr. Vijith Gunasekera.   Trade unions representing health professionals have raised concerns that the recent arrests made by the CID in connection with the import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections are only targeting lower-level individuals, while the masterminds behind the scandal remain at large.