Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has taken legal action by filing a fundamental rights (FR) petition before the Supreme Court, alleging violations in the procurement process of certain drugs, including Human Immunoglobulin vials.
The petition targets 66 individuals, including former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella, members of the Cabinet of Ministers, Treasury Secretary, Auditor General, Director General of Customs, Inspector General of Police, members and Director General of Bribery Commission, and the Attorney General, as respondents.
In its petition, TISL calls for the court’s intervention to declare the importation of pharmaceuticals without competitive bids as wrongful and illegal. Additionally, TISL requests the court to instruct the Auditor General to conduct a special inquiry into the procurement of medical supplies from suppliers who were issued Waivers of Registration, and to calculate the incurred costs.
Furthermore, the petition seeks the court’s direction for the Attorney General to investigate individuals who may have received financial or other benefits through the procurement process involving Waivers of Registration. TISL also urges the court to instruct the Attorney General to take steps to recover costs borne by the State or the public and seek compensation from the implicated parties.
This legal action underscores TISL’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in public procurement processes, ensuring the responsible and lawful use of public funds.
