Top Neurosurgeon Faces Serious Corruption Charges

COLOMBO (News 1st); On allegations of selling pharmaceuticals at inflated prices through a third party, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption took into custody three individuals, including Dr. Maheshi Surasinghe Wijerathna, a specialist neurosurgeon at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital.

Last evening, the Additional Magistrate of Colombo ordered that all three be remanded until the 24th of this month.

Dr. Maheshi Surasinghe Wijerathna, a specialist neurosurgeon at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, along with hospital administrative assistant Kekulanda Liyanage Indika and Nimal Ranjith Muthukuda, were taken into custody by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Nimal Ranjith Muthukuda is reported to have been employed at a private institution allegedly operated unlawfully by Dr. Wijerathna.

The allegations against Dr. Wijerathna include:

Advising the procurement of critical neurosurgical items—namely External Ventricular Drains (EVDs) and Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunts—through an external entity under her influence, bypassing the hospital’s official procurement process and annual budget.

Causing financial loss to the hospital by not routing these purchases through the hospital’s supply division.

Facilitating undue financial gain for herself or third parties, while placing an additional financial burden on patients.

According to the Commission, the official procurement price of an EVD in 2022 was Rs. 17,500, while the current market price is approximately Rs. 46,500. 

However, based on Dr. Wijerathna’s recommendations, these items were allegedly purchased from external sources at prices ranging from Rs. 120,000 to Rs. 250,000.

Investigations have identified approximately 300 patients who underwent surgeries during the period under review, with statements already recorded from 77 of them.

The Commission further revealed that a significant number of these patients have since passed away.

The estimated financial loss incurred by the affected patients is reported to be close to Rs. 30 million.