In 2007, Rambukwella crossed over from the opposition to the government of PresidentMahinda Rajapaksa, and joined theSri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).[6] Rambukwella made an attempt to cross back to the UNP in 2015, however this attempt failed and he was forced to remain with Rajapaksa's faction of the SLFP, which ended up losing the2015 election.
In February 2012, Rambukwella claimed to have "jumped"[7] from the balcony of a third-floor hotel room inMelbourne with the intention of reaching his companion, injuring his legs.[8] After receiving a direct aid ofRs. 20 million from the President's Fund to cover his medical expenses, he swiftly recovered from his injuries.[9]
In October 2023, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) revealed that forged documents were submitted for Customs clearance to procure a batch of vials containing humanimmunoglobulin, which failed quality tests. It was claimed to have been produced by Livealth Biopharma Pvt Ltd, India, and imported by Isolez Biotech Pharma AG (Pvt) Ltd. However, the Indian manufacturer informed the NMRA that they did not manufacture or export the immunoglobulin batch. Around Rs. 130 million was believed to have been misappropriated.[10][11] On 2 February 2024, Rambukwella was arrested by criminal investigators inColombo alongside former Secretary to the Ministry of Health Janaka Chandragupta and remanded until 15 February. He resigned from his ministerial post on 3 February following public pressure.[12]
In June 2025, Rambukwella was indicted along with 11 others in connection with the procurement of substandard human immunoglobulin antibody drugs. The Attorney General filed the indictment before the Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar.[13]
In June 2025, Rambukwella's wife, Kusum Priyadarshini Epa, and daughter, Chandula Ramali Rambukwella, were briefly remanded after failing to fulfill bail conditions in connection with the immunoglobulin scandal.[14]
Rambukwella and his family members are also facing additional corruption cases, including allegations of misusing public funds for personal gain. These cases are currently under investigation, and further legal proceedings are expected.[15]
