Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella's Hospitalization Amid Corruption Charges Fuels Controversy Over Preferential Treatment

February 04, 2024

In a development raising eyebrows and sparking controversy, former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who was remanded in custody over corruption allegations, has been admitted to the Prisons Hospital on medical recommendation. The move comes shortly after his arrest, fueling speculation and criticism about preferential treatment for the rich and powerful in Sri Lanka's judicial system.

The Prisons Department confirmed Rambukwella's hospitalization but refrained from disclosing the specifics of his illness, citing medical privacy. However, this lack of transparency has only added to the skepticism surrounding the circumstances of his sudden hospitalization.

Rambukwella's arrest on corruption charges has already stirred public outrage, with many questioning the integrity of the country's political and legal institutions. The timing of his hospitalization, coupled with the secrecy surrounding his condition, has further fueled suspicions of special treatment afforded to influential figures.

Critics argue that this incident is emblematic of a broader issue in Sri Lanka, where individuals with political connections or financial clout often seem to evade the full consequences of their actions. The pattern of powerful figures conveniently falling ill or being hospitalized following legal troubles has become a recurring narrative, leading to growing disillusionment among the populace.

Calls for accountability and transparency in the handling of such cases have intensified, with civil society organizations and political opponents demanding a thorough investigation into Rambukwella's hospitalization. The lack of clarity surrounding his condition and the suddenness of his medical transfer have only served to deepen suspicions and erode public trust in the justice system.