Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has emphasised the importance of compliance with judicial orders, following its contempt of court application against former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and four former senior health officials over their failure to make payments totalling Rs. 275 million to the State.

In a statement issued following yesterday’s (26) Supreme Court proceedings, TISL said it had filed the contempt application on October 12, alleging wilful disobedience of the Court’s earlier judgment in the medical procurement case.

The proceedings stem from a Supreme Court judgment delivered on March 27, 2026, which found that the five respondents had violated the fundamental right to equal protection of the law guaranteed under Article 12(1) of the Constitution.

The Court had ordered Rambukwella to pay Rs. 75 million to the State, while the other four respondents were each directed to pay Rs. 50 million.

According to TISL, former National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Chairman Prof. S. D. Jayaratne informed the Court yesterday that he had settled his payment of Rs. 50 million on October 22, following the filing of the contempt application.

Meanwhile, Rambukwella had paid Rs. 20 million on October 23 and undertook to settle the remaining Rs. 55 million within two weeks.

Former Health Ministry Secretary S. J. S. Chandraguptha undertook to pay Rs. 5 million within a week and the remaining Rs. 45 million within three months.

Former NMRA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Vijith Gunasekara agreed to pay Rs. 20 million within two weeks and the remaining Rs. 30 million within three months.

Former Medical Supplies Division Director Dr. A. Thusitha Sudharshana undertook to pay approximately Rs. 2 million from his savings within the week and settle the remaining Rs. 48 million within three months.

The Supreme Court directed the four respondents to settle their outstanding payments within three months, imposed travel bans and ordered their release on bail subject to a cash bond of Rs. 50 million each and two sureties.

TISL stressed that compliance with judicial orders is fundamental to the rule of law and constitutional accountability, adding that such compliance should not depend on petitioners initiating further court proceedings.

The organisation further warned that corruption carries long-term legal consequences and reputational damage, while reaffirming its commitment to monitoring public officials and ensuring accountability.

The case is scheduled to be taken up again on February 15, 2027.