{
  "id": 16981593,
  "title": "Case involving Keheliya in medical procurement: Five respondents ordered to pay Rs 275 mn",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/case-involving-keheliya-in-medical-procurement-five-respondents",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T23:59:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/case-involving-keheliya-in-medical-procurement-five-respondents-ordered-to-pay-rs-275-mn/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a case involving medical procurement, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ordered five former officials, including former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella, to pay a total of Rs. 275 million to the State. The Supreme Court delivered its judgment on March 27, 2026, finding that the five respondents had infringed the fundamental right to equal protection of the law under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was ordered to pay Rs. 75 million, while the other four respondents were each ordered to pay Rs. 50 million.\n\nRespondents submitted to the Court that they had made partial payments by October 22, 2026. Former NMRA Chairman Prof. S.D. Jayaratne stated that his payment had been made on the 22nd. Former Minister Rambukwella paid Rs. 20 million on October 23 and promised to settle the remaining Rs. 55 million within two weeks. Former Secretary S. J. S. Chandraguptha gave an undertaking to pay Rs. 5 million within a week and the remaining Rs. 45 million within three months. Former NMRA CEO Dr. Vijith Gunasekara promised to pay Rs. 20 million within two weeks and the remaining Rs. 30 million within three months. Former NMRA Director Dr. A. Thusitha Sudharshana also gave an undertaking to pay all his savings, approximately Rs. 2 million, within the week and settle the remaining Rs. 48 million within three months.\n\nThe Supreme Court directed the first, second, fourth, and fifth respondents to pay their respective amounts within three months. They were additionally placed under travel bans and required to be released on bail with a cash bond of Rs. 50 million and two sureties who must have the capacity to pay the specified amount. TISL, the petitioner, emphasized the importance of compliance with judicial orders as a cornerstone of the rule of law and constitutional accountability. They urged those in positions of power to uphold their ethical and legal obligations towards the public they serve, as corruption carries long-term legal repercussions and reputational harm. TISL and its legal team will continue to monitor the situation to ensure adherence to legal frameworks and accountability standards. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on February 15, 2027.",
  "summary": "Following an application for contempt of court filed by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) on 12th October 2026, the Supreme Court made directions on the failure of respondents in the medical procurement case SC/FR/65/2023, to comply with its judgment requiring payment of Rs. 275 million in total, to the State. The proceedings arise from the […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}