Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and seven others implicated in the procurement of substandard immunoglobulin vials have been further remanded until April 22, according to reports from the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

Rambukwella was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department on February 2 in connection with the case and had been questioned for nearly 10 hours before his arrest. Pressure from civil society activists and health sector trade unionists preceded his apprehension. Seven others had been arrested prior to Rambukwella, with one later released on bail. Among those remaining in remand custody are the former Health Secretary, officials from the Health Ministry’s Medical Supplies Division, and the owner of the company that supplied the substandard vials.

Additionally, a Fundamental Rights petition has been filed on behalf of Rambukwella, challenging his arrest and seeking compensation of Rs. 100 million.