The president of Government Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF) Dr. Rukshan Bellana recorded a statement with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this afternoon (Dec.28).

Speaking to the media upon his arrival at the CID premises, Dr. Bellana alleged that former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Health Ministry’s Additional Secretary Saman Ratnayake and former CEO of National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Vijith Gunasekera were were the three ‘masterminds’ behind the substandard immunoglobulin controversy.

He left the CID premises a short while ago after providing the statement.

Thus far, several high-profile arrests have been made in connection with the case, including the former Secretary to the Health Ministry Janaka Chandragupta, the Director of the Health Ministry’s Medical Supplies Division (MSD) and three other officials of the same division, as well as the owner of the company which is said to have supplied the controversial batch of substandard Immunoglobulin vials by forging documents.

All six suspects are currently in remand custody until January 10 on the orders of Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

Chandragupta was arrested by the CID on December 18, after he arrived at the premises to give a statement regarding the controversial substandard Human Immunoglobulin import issue.

Earlier this week, the CID recorded a statement from the former Health Minister. However, his legal counsel had said that his client ‘voluntarily’ provided the statement, clarifying that Rambukwella was not interrogated.