Mounting Pressure Leads to Minister’s Resignation
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka’s Environment Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, has resigned following his arrest in connection with a scandal involving the alleged purchase of counterfeit drugs during the country’s economic crisis. Rambukwella, a former health minister, was arrested for his suspected role in procuring counterfeit intravenous human immunoglobulin, a vital medication for infections and cancer treatment.
The resignation came amidst increasing pressure from opposition lawmakers, activists, and health groups for a transparent investigation into the scandal. Five other senior Health Ministry officials and the supplier of the alleged counterfeit drugs have also been apprehended.
Accusations of Misusing Economic Crisis
Rambukwella is accused of exploiting the economic crisis as a pretext to bypass standard procurement procedures and favor a specific supplier. The minister faced criticism for allegedly failing to secure essential drugs and equipment while serving as health minister, leading to preventable deaths in hospitals.
Country’s Economic Struggles
Sri Lanka has been grappling with an economic crisis since declaring bankruptcy in April 2022, accumulating over $83 billion in debt, with more than half owed to foreign creditors. The economic turmoil resulted in severe shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and other essentials, triggering widespread protests and the resignation of the former President.
Although the situation has improved under the current President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, public discontent persists due to government measures to enhance revenue, including increased electricity charges and new taxes imposed on professionals and businesses.
Brain Drain Amidst Crisis
The economic upheaval has prompted thousands of Sri Lankans to seek better employment opportunities abroad, with approximately 1,500 doctors leaving the country in the past year alone, exacerbating the strain on the nation’s healthcare system.