According to reports, two top officials from the state health sector and the owner of a pharmaceutical business that imported inferior supplies of Immune Globulin vaccines have been placed on an overseas travel restriction for their roles in facilitating the entrance of substandard pharmaceuticals into Sri Lanka.
The three suspects were placed on a travel ban by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court on Monday, October 30, according to media sources.
The pharmaceutical company’s owner, Sudath Janaka Fernando, also known as “Aruna Deepthi,” Dr. Vijith Gunasekera, the CEO of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), and Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake, the Ministry of Health’s director of supply, are the suspects.
Allegations that the pharmaceutical company had fabricated paperwork with the help of the two senior state officials in order to import 22,500 vials of inferior Immune Globulin vaccinations had prompted the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to launch an investigation.
Investigations have shown that the importation of the aforementioned subpar medication resulted in financial theft totaling Rs. 130 million.
The accused were placed under travel bans abroad by the Maligakanda Court after the CID notified the court that the suspects were trying to leave the nation.
Additionally, the Magistrate directed the CID to capture the suspects and bring them before the court by November 16, 2023.
