Acting Health Minister Hansaka Wijemuni announced today (27) that a disciplinary inquiry will be initiated against Dr Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital, for disclosing details about the health condition of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to the media while he was under treatment at the hospital in remand custody.
Speaking earlier at a media briefing, Bellana revealed that Wickremesinghe would need to remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for another one to two days, as recommended by specialist doctors. He further noted that the former president is no longer a detainee and is free to consult his private physician or seek treatment at a private hospital if he wishes.
Bellana said Wickremesinghe had been admitted with severe dehydration, which has now begun to subside with treatment. He stressed that the National Hospital provides equal medical care to all patients, regardless of their background or status.
Responding to concerns about his involvement in the health assessment, Bellana clarified that a special committee appointed by the Director General of the National Hospital is responsible for evaluating Wickremesinghe’s condition, and that he himself is not directly involved in the medical decision-making.
Citing reports from specialist doctors, Bellana added that three out of four of Wickremesinghe’s coronary arteries are blocked, requiring urgent treatment. He warned that while dehydration is improving, the former president’s other health issues remain serious, and any delay in treatment could pose significant risks.
