The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court has issued an international arrest warrant for Dr. Jayanath Butpitiya, a member of the Evaluations Committee of the Emergency Procurement Committee, who is the primary suspect in the immunoglobulin scandal. Dr. Butpitiya is accused of evading investigation by fleeing abroad.
Additionally, Dr. Saman Ratnayake, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health, was ordered to appear at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at 9 am today (01) for questioning regarding the case.
Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama informed the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court that Dr. Saman Ratnayake is allegedly responsible for the misplacement of original transaction files related to the immunoglobulin procurement. She accused Dr. Ratnayake of attempting to evade investigation by providing false information about his whereabouts.
The Deputy Solicitor General revealed that Dr. Ratnayake had provided a fake address to the CID, claiming temporary residency. However, investigations revealed that the address was fraudulent. Dr. Ratnayake’s wife accepted the notice on his behalf and was instructed to urge him to appear at the CID today (01) for further questioning.
In response to the prosecution’s arguments, Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrama instructed the CID to take appropriate legal action in accordance with the law. The magistrate emphasized the importance of expediting the investigation and apprehending all individuals linked to the scandal before the next court hearing.
