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’’Minister asked me to do, I did it’’: Supplier tells court
BY FAROOK THAJUDEEN
Colombo, Dec. 28 (Daily Mirror)- Counsel appearing for the first suspect, owner of the company Isolez Biotech Pharma AG (Pvt) Ltd, involved in the substandard human immunoglobulin deal, told the court that he followed the instructions of the then Health Minister saying that "The Minister asked me to do, I did it".
Counsel Jaliya Samarasinghe told this in Court before Maligakanda Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrame.
The Maligakanda Magistrate queried the CID whether former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella had prior knowledge of the drug scam that involved over Rs. 01 billion of public money.
Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrama made this observation following counsel for two suspects in the case alleging that when their clients had mentioned the name of former Minister Keheliya Rambuwella as the person who had ordered them to carry out the deal of the substandard human immunoglobulin, the CID had failed to mention Minister Keheliya’s name in the statements of the suspects and had declined to do so.
Thereafter, the Magistrate ordered the CID to record further statements of the 1st and the 3rd suspects at the prison premises today.
The Magistrate also remarked that the suspects' counsel should not make statements on hearsay but to make submissions before court if they have facts to submit.
At the onset of the inquiry Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama filing a further report on the CID investigations in court, pleaded to order the CID to record further statements from two officers, Vijith Gunasekera and Ms. A.M.P.K. Alweera of the NMRA.
The DSG also moved court to issue an order to the CID to get down Vijith Gunasekera who had migrated from Sri Lanka to record the statement.
DSG Girihagama stated that the Cabinet had given its approval to import the drug and filed an English copy of the approval in court and asked the CID to file a Sinhala translation of the same in court, if available.
She also stated that the lab investigations on the productions were not yet completed and moved for a further date to carry out the investigations.
Counsel Girighagama sought court permission to send the productions to the Government Analyst for his examination and to report to the court.
The DSG further asserted that the 1st suspect was not authorized to manufacture the questionable vaccine and the suspect was also not sanctioned to import chemicals, water cleansing drugs or bottles which he had already imported.
She said that the investigations were yet to be completed and to remand the suspects till then.
However, counsel for the 6th suspect Janaka Sri Chandragupta, challenged the Criminal Investigation Department alleging that they are not arresting former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella due to political favoritism and have not arrested the real culprits involved in the crime.
Six suspects including the former Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Janaka Chandragupta, were further remanded until January 10 over the alleged procurement of substandard human immunoglobulin vials.
The Magistrate had earlier ordered that all responsible parties be arrested and produced before court, irrespective of their positions, for the administration of justice over providing of substandard medicine to the public.
The suspects arrested include the former Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the Director of the Health Ministry’s Medical Supplies Division and three other officials of the NMRA and the owner of the company which manufactured the substandard Immunoglobulin vials by forging documents.
Comments - 82
Comments - ’’Minister asked me to do, I did it’’: Supplier tells court
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Harsha Thursday, 28 December 2023 01:42 PM
All the fellows from top to bottom must be responsible. If someone ask you to order poison instead, you are going to order? Even all those who have accepted and taken the order, have to be responsible and should be scrutinized.
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Be smart being a secretary of a department. Friday, 29 December 2023 06:21 AM
If the minister wants you to jump in the sea,I suppose you will do it.
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Be smart being a secretary of a department. Friday, 29 December 2023 06:22 AM
If the minister wants you to jump in the sea,I suppose you will do it.
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Be smart being a secretary of a department. Friday, 29 December 2023 06:22 AM
If the minister wants you to jump in the sea,I suppose you will do it.
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Be smart being a secretary of a department. Friday, 29 December 2023 06:22 AM
If the minister wants you to jump in the sea,I suppose you will do it.
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Be smart being a secretary of a department. Friday, 29 December 2023 06:22 AM
If the minister wants you to jump in the sea,I suppose you will do it.
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Be smart being a secretary of a department. Friday, 29 December 2023 06:22 AM
If the minister wants you to jump in the sea,I suppose you will do it.
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Be smart being a secretary of a department. Friday, 29 December 2023 06:22 AM
If the minister wants you to jump in the sea,I suppose you will do it.
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Be smart being a secretary of a department. Friday, 29 December 2023 06:22 AM
If the minister wants you to jump in the sea,I suppose you will do it.
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Nike Friday, 29 December 2023 09:28 AM
More the top and less bottom because they are just following orders from the top.
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Money is the driver and Minister has too much power Friday, 29 December 2023 04:15 PM
@Be smart Anyone will tread water or take a safe jump into the sea if there is money involved. There is already so much abuse of children in schools reported from time to time, no surprise when there is money involved all do as the Minister wants so they get their own profits or cuts.
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johan Thursday, 28 December 2023 02:13 PM
Kehaliya when he went to India for the purchase of drugs we smelled something fishy going to happen which exactly happened.IMF must insist for a Honest and Clean political culture in SL if they have to release the 3rd instalment. Where is the tender
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IMF should stop on new loans Thursday, 28 December 2023 02:54 PM
Truly agree. IMF seems blind on this matter. Just approving new loans without scrutinising of the previous loans!
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Shan Thursday, 28 December 2023 05:29 PM
Why should IMF worry when it give once and get the return thrice?
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Shiran Thursday, 28 December 2023 02:23 PM
Please tell the public, why CID agreed to go to the Minister's house to record his statement? The CID should have summoned the Minister. Why is the CID so spineless?
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Rubu Fernando Thursday, 28 December 2023 10:34 PM
Additionally the CID having failed and as reported not entered the name of the minister when the suspects had done so in their statement is dubious, and an exhibition of bias by a law enforcement agency. It is mandatory while recording statements it be not only done in writing but an electronic recording be done simultaneously. Further the culture promoted by the national parayiahs - the rajapakse thieves still continues with patronage from the CB Bond scammer positioned at the helm!!!
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Ravi Hulugalle Friday, 29 December 2023 05:59 AM
The Ranil "protector of criminals" Wickramasinghes orders.
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Hora police Friday, 29 December 2023 06:08 AM
This visit was probably to warn the minister and possibly manufacture documents and back date them to clear his name.
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Ram Thursday, 28 December 2023 02:36 PM
Magistrate appears to be slow to give any directions relating to the then Minister. Magistrate should ask for the statement made by Keheliya to be filed. On a perusal of it the Magistrate can form her independent views about if Keheliya has been properly questioned or just what he said is recorded. If it is the latter, political favouritism is exposed.
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Susan Thursday, 28 December 2023 02:38 PM
People of the country only can depend on judiciary but few recent judgments of corrupt fellows tainted it’s respect, whole world watching this case due to involved guys and it’s nature,we SriLankans as whole believe, honorable judge Lochana won’t bend spine for political mighty or billions of money
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Karalasingam Sivalingam Thursday, 28 December 2023 03:19 PM
Apply the law equally to all citizens al8ke irrespective of their status, similarly the American law was applied on former President of U.S A. Donald Trump, disqualifying him from entering the forthcoming, U.S.A, Presidential race.
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Sam Silva Thursday, 28 December 2023 09:10 PM
Not sure where you get this false news from. Trump is contesting as we speak but the legal system is making all efforts to take him down. No guarantees on either side.
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Nihal Amarasekera Thursday, 28 December 2023 03:28 PM
Give credit to the Minister who replaced the corrupt Minister for make the bsll rolling
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Bandu Thursday, 28 December 2023 04:55 PM
Have we descended so low that when someone does his duty he needs to be praised? Just shows that 99% corruption so one person who does his duty correctly becomes a hero.
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Marka Thursday, 28 December 2023 08:53 PM
Yes agree. At the same time past misdeeds like this and many more should not be swept under the carpet. Unless justice is applied irrespective of the status of that person, this country will be doomed at the mercy of our politicians. Hoping this will change soon.
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Death sentence for loss of human lives? Thursday, 28 December 2023 05:11 PM
At last, somebody has mentioned the minister, in this case who was passing his own judgement on himself. In other words, the protective skin of former rulers have started to peel off, and Keheliya is on his own now. Let us see how many others he will try implicate in this huge scandal!
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VJ Thursday, 28 December 2023 05:30 PM
I think the former health minister will be taken into custody soon. Why a travel ban has not been imposed? Putting the lives of many people in danger is a non bailable offense. Since he is a minister the punishment must be doubled. His civic rights should be revoked.
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dana Friday, 29 December 2023 05:32 PM
We experienced in recent past a governor of central bank recruited from S’pour,came to court carrying a bag,until the noose was about to tied around his neck, he had shown red flag by his attester, current president RW,so we can expect same with shameless character KR
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Sunil Thursday, 28 December 2023 05:30 PM
CID pay a visit his residence
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Prabhath Perera Thursday, 28 December 2023 06:25 PM
The MInister's civic rights must be taken away!!! He should serve a jail term for what he commited.
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Dave Saturday, 06 January 2024 08:40 AM
Not only the minister. All these involved and even government servants knowing but did not do their honest job should be scrutinized and given punishment. They must either be punished, sent home and scrapped of their pension.
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DJ Thursday, 28 December 2023 06:42 PM
Why are you all surprised? the routine as usual.
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sam Thursday, 28 December 2023 07:13 PM
Then minister should be arrested immediately.
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Karalasingam Sivalingam Thursday, 28 December 2023 07:21 PM
In government service, no verbal instructions carried out, there should be corresponding minute penned in the relevant file and signed by the instructing officer/minister, authenticating his/her instruction/s.
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John Perera Thursday, 28 December 2023 08:48 PM
Another court case and will be the same result ! no one will be held to account
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country man Thursday, 28 December 2023 09:28 PM
Srilanka is full of rubbish tellers. Very easy to tell the other person is a rogue, who has done bad deals. PROVE it ,then they could be punished. This goes for the ex ministers and the presidents too. It's the same for this medicine deals too. Very easy to talk about every thing for media publicity. PROOVE IT.
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Tissa Fernando Thursday, 28 December 2023 09:29 PM
The most likely story is "Minister asked me so I did it and I profited in the process.' There is no escape for the importers. They should have opted out in the process .
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Mahesh Thursday, 28 December 2023 09:35 PM
The whole cabinet should go behind bars- none of them even capable to fry an egg properly
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Anthony. R Thursday, 28 December 2023 09:38 PM
Judiciary over to you. Let Justice prevail. None is above the law !!!!*****????? Isn't it?
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ANTON Thursday, 28 December 2023 10:03 PM
ALL CORRUPTIONS IN SL HAVE SOME ASSOCIATION TO THE RAJAPAKSAS AND SRI LANKA PODUJANA PERAMUNA.
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AJ Thursday, 28 December 2023 10:10 PM
He used authority of his portfolio not to serve people but earn money.
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Chula Mama Thursday, 28 December 2023 10:17 PM
"Umbalata kiri apita kakiri" one law for them and another for us. Corruption of politicos never bred any thing lawful during last seven decades on this country.
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Bandu Thursday, 28 December 2023 10:30 PM
So only now they are sending samples for analysis to the Govt. Analyst as AG Counsel Girighagama sought court permission to send the productions to the Government Analyst for his examination and to report to the court. Who is dragging this case to delay the verdict?
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Rubu Fernando Thursday, 28 December 2023 10:59 PM
The owner of the company Isolez Biotech Pharma AG (Pvt) Ltd, involved in the substandard human immunoglobulin deal is literally telling the court that he is an ass with no brains! His statement tantamounts to him saying minister told me to commit mass murder and so I did it!! Obviously his company is of Indian origin though it seems to have an ending "AG" inferring it is German based. Indians and Indian business should be banned to do business any where in the world for their unscrupulous, unconscionable business practices - only further amplified by the numerous financial scam artists who prey globally.
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Justice Friday, 29 December 2023 12:45 AM
If RR has any sense of fairness and 'clean hands' he should instruct the Police and the Courts to carry out their obligations impartially and find the Culprit with 'blood soaked hands' to be punished so as to set a great example. It was obvious to everyone Rambukwela was at the bottom of this dirty saga.
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Buddhist Friday, 29 December 2023 12:46 AM
CID should follow the money. Whom did the manufacturer pay for this fraud?
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Vijitha Friday, 29 December 2023 02:02 AM
Why CID not arresting former health minister for this billion rupees scam.
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Kps Friday, 29 December 2023 02:03 AM
SJB Brought the right remedy to expel the ExMnister but PPJ refused with the help of the President. Keheliya is the cause for all the medical malpractice deaths . Truth is the highest Law and can’t replace with none.
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Menike Ekanayake Friday, 29 December 2023 02:24 AM
This is the final chance for SL judiciary system to show its honesty to the world! Come on - Save your profession from Zero to Hero! All judges must not listen Deka Paas Hora Pin Bath politicians - Do something for the country now against them! Otherwise SL lawyers will go below the zero or to HELL!
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Neil Friday, 29 December 2023 02:36 AM
All the credit to Dr. Chamal Sanjeeva who fought fearlessly to expose these criminals. You are great mate.
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Kamal Friday, 29 December 2023 03:08 AM
I can't imagine the mentality of these people, even after Aragalaya, how courageously mishandling the power.
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Jagath Ekanaya Friday, 29 December 2023 03:29 AM
The CID should confiscate Keheliya Rambukwellas passport so that he doesn't escape the charges. Otherwise Ranil the protector of criminals will help him escape.
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Natalie Nanayaka Friday, 29 December 2023 03:31 AM
With a threat to this witnesses life by the government he will change his statement.
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Sleazy president Friday, 29 December 2023 03:37 AM
This most probably be the last act of treason by the Ranil rajapaksa criminal syndicate. We will have to wait for the JVP for justice.
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Mahila Friday, 29 December 2023 03:52 AM
Keheliya, Keheliya!!!!???? 'Boys will be ALWAYS Boys'!? Even when they grow up in AGE and considered Gentlemen, with Acumen!!!??? “SUCH IS LIFE”!!!??? Author, “NED KELLY – OZZIE ROBINHOOD”!!!???
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TrueBird Friday, 29 December 2023 04:52 AM
Even without any inquiry I can say that corruption from the minister top was involved, that is the current state of SRI-LANKA.
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Sathasivam K Friday, 29 December 2023 04:53 AM
Why was Kehaliya R, given an important ministry in the first place? The whole of Srilanka knows the reputation of this guy and his offspring. Blame the archer not the arrow. Shows the scant respect the politicians of the country have for the people's life and well-being
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Bandu Friday, 29 December 2023 04:58 AM
All these political
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Grace Friday, 29 December 2023 05:20 AM
The minister would have thought that if patients suffering from incurable diseases and the government has to spend heavily for theirs maintenance, better to finish the patients off surreptitiously.
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Susan Friday, 29 December 2023 06:01 AM
KR thought to get the dirty work done through this supplier,while keeping his hands clean,Similarly MR,BR and other rajapakshas using same tactic have been using RW in the same way, pushing him to do all sort of dirty work,while trying to find possibilities to keep them away from the responsibility
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Kick these scum bags out Friday, 29 December 2023 06:04 AM
I wonder how much the president receives from the criminal politicians as commission for their protection.
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Kapila Friday, 29 December 2023 06:05 AM
We can't expect Ranil to send Ehaliya home because Ranil can't continue in his position without the support of the corrupt gang in parliament. It is said Sinhalese have memory power only for 2 weeks.
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Namal Saturday, 06 January 2024 08:32 AM
Ali babas brother and his 40 thieves are running the country.
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Mr .Reality Friday, 29 December 2023 06:17 AM
A cabinet minister is a ruling Govt.on Power and can do anything he wants.This matter will go under the carpet and forgotten .Honestly I dont think a Minister will say 'you bring substandard medicine' may be the tender is for this cheap qual ity medicine to give it free to this never ending queue of patients .
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Jude Friday, 29 December 2023 07:26 AM
Keheliya was hanging around Kandy lake aimelessly and penyless, then he got into politics and rest is history!! Today he's one of the richest person in SL and a scumbag too.
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Terrence K Friday, 29 December 2023 07:53 AM
Whilst all involved in this crime should be taken into custody irrespective of the position and power where there is evidence provided. However, no lawyer can provide heresay as evidence because if a person in power tells to introduce cyniade to the vials will the manufacturer follow these instructions ? Learned lawyers should provide documentary evidence or evidence which could be held in a Court of Law
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Sisil Sudesh Friday, 29 December 2023 08:09 AM
Homicide charges must be preferred against all those involved, in addition to fraud charges.
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Lion Friday, 29 December 2023 08:11 AM
Keheliya’ character is full of corruption and his conduct is well known among the people Kandy . ්රAt the initial stages of his career, he started a security service by the name of Eagel and defrauded even the 10 percent he deducted from their wages for EPF contribution and there was a case against him in the courts of Kandy years ago.Unless a proper government comes to power this type of rouges will continue to harm the society.
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Dan Friday, 29 December 2023 08:48 AM
CID go to minister's residence to get a statement and then request the complainant to visit the CID for a statement.
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ONE WAY OF COMING OUT OF THE SINK HOLE Friday, 29 December 2023 09:30 AM
Terrence K, WELL SAID and IT'S TIME WE GOT RID OF ALL REPEAT ALL THE SCUM OF THE EARTH FROM POLITICS, SO THAT THE HONEST ONES CAN GO ABOUT SERVING THE CITIZENS AND MORE HONEST PEOPLE CAN JOIN THE GOVERNMENT AND GOVERN FOR THE PEOPLE AND NOT REPEAT NOT FOR THEMSELVES, THEIR FAMILIES AND STOOGES. TIME HAS COME FOR ALL CITIZENS TO OPEN THEIR GOD GIVEN EYES AND GET TOGETHER TO BRING THE COUNTRY BACK ON ITS FEET. LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST RECOVER ALL THE ILLGOTTEN WEALTH WHEREEVER IT HAS BEEN STASHED AND PUT THE LOT BEHIND BARS AND THROW AWAY THE KEYS.
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Patients Friday, 29 December 2023 09:39 AM
Nothing will come out of this Case as the Chief suspect KR is safeguarded by the crooked Ranil. Hence all suspects will eventually be released ?
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Lakmal Friday, 29 December 2023 10:16 AM
Should be injected to pohottuwa voters.
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Cap. Lanka Friday, 29 December 2023 11:57 AM
Its still all just hear-say isn't it? Is there any actual proof? Not that i'm defending the minister.... i mean if he's oblivious to what happens in his ministry, he probably shouldn't be in the job. But can we see some actual proof that says he ordered the politikkas to dance to his tune?
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Jamis Friday, 29 December 2023 05:17 PM
SL people need to understand that the IMF and the Western governments that control it DO NOT WANT to get rid of corruption in SL. The more corrupt the country, the easier it is to control us. That is the way they think. If we want to get rid of corruption, SL people have to do it. We can't expect the IMF or the Western governments to do it. They have no interest in doing so!!! So let us not be naive.
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Das Friday, 29 December 2023 06:31 PM
We can witness how stupid the voters of Kandy by next election .
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Navi Friday, 29 December 2023 09:39 PM
Todays CID personnel are political appointees. They know only to take political orders. That is how they have come up the ranks. They have no clue of independent, genuine police work without any fear or favour. The Magistrate need to take the Investigation under her command and direct the CID. its time to reprimand a couple of CID seluths that are slack.
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Degeneration began in 1972. Appuwa became king Sunday, 31 December 2023 08:49 AM
Does anyone has any option? Go through the history to 1972. This situation was started with LSSP in coalition Govt. with Sirimavo. LSSP coined a word "Niladharivadaya" bureau-ocracy to attack Heads of Departments who did not toe the line. They let loose low elements in the party immediately after election. Heads like Rampala of CGR, Kulasinge of Engineering Corporation left in a hurry with dignity. Who ever remained were humiliated by Janatha committee and Workers council. MPs took over the reign. Chaos began.
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Asoka Goonawardena Friday, 29 December 2023 11:19 PM
What action is taken against Minister?
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Indra Dasa Sunday, 31 December 2023 02:43 AM
When Such a fraud in a government institution or Ministry had happened with knowingly or with out any prior knowledge as the sole responsible person to the People of Sri Lanka is the Previous Health Minister . Therefore before anyone of the current suspects already arrested by CID ,this Main culprit the previous Heath Minister must be arrested and must be produced to the court to have a fair legal procedure to bring the justice to people of Sri Lanka by putting all responsible people to this disaster in Jail for a long time .
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ANNECUNT Sunday, 31 December 2023 07:18 PM
the minister is a disgrace to the country please do not contest for next election
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Rohini Wijetilleke Friday, 05 January 2024 09:55 PM
The buck should stop at the ex minister of health. He is solely responsible and should accept the consequences. Is he still in a responsible position? He probably should resign and carry the baggage with him never ever to resurface.
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Eradicate these creatures Saturday, 06 January 2024 08:25 AM
Same way it’s time to scrutinize the CHINESE ORGANIC FERTILIZER ship load that was got down costing into billions and the farmers losing their harvest. This was approved by parliament majority and the county is suffering even today for this blunder and even the opposition or media doesn’t make much voice of it.
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