The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed Maligakanda Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrama today (11) that it plans to record statements from 18 former ministers, including former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, regarding the approval of a cabinet paper submitted by then-Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. The paper authorized the import of 182 types of drugs under the Indian loan scheme, allegedly under the false pretense of a drug shortage.

Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama presented these details in court, noting that on 26 September 2022, the cabinet paper proposed the purchase of these drugs amid claims of a drug shortage. At that time, 18 cabinet members were present when the paper was submitted by the former Health Minister.

The Deputy Solicitor General further emphasized the need to investigate the necessity of the drugs listed, whether there was an actual shortage, and why the cabinet approved the proposal without further scrutiny.

The ministers expected to provide statements include former Finance Minister and President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, and former ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Douglas Devananda, Susil Premajayantha, Bandula Gunawardena, Mahinda Amaraweera, Dr. Wijayadasa Rajapakshe, Harin Fernando, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Prasanna Ranatunga, Vidura Wickramanayake, Kanchana Wijesekera, Naseer Ahmed, Roshan Ranasinghe, Tiran Alles, Nalin Fernando, and Jagath Pushpakumara.