Court Issues Strong Order: Private Hospital Directors Are Not Above the Law

Maligakanda High Court Orders Arrest of Ashok Pathirage and Directors of Asiri Hospitals

Colombo, September 26, 2025 – Yesterday (25), the Maligakanda High Court issued a landmark order that has captured public attention. The order directed that Ashok Pathirage, a prominent business leader associated with Softlogic, along with several directors of the Asiri Hospital Group, be taken into custody and produced before the court.

The case stems from an incident in 2023 that has largely remained out of mainstream media. A mother residing in Nugegoda became seriously ill, and her son, Sanath Athukorala, admitted her to Asiri Hospital in Narahenpita. Following treatment, an audit of the hospital’s pharmacy revealed that medicines were being billed at significantly higher prices than the maximum rates set by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority. For example, a saline bottle priced at around LKR 200 was charged at LKR 1,200.

Sanath Athukorala decided to pursue legal action despite the lack of support from any institution at the time. While the hospital offered him incentives to drop the matter, he remained determined to fight against the injustice. The National Medicines Regulatory Authority and the Department of the Attorney General later joined him in the case.

During proceedings, while the Chief Maligakanda Magistrate was on leave, a deputy magistrate convened the case. No representatives from the hospital were present. The court accepted the charges and imposed a fine of LKR 25,000 on the Asiri Hospital directors, closing the case temporarily.

However, the matter did not end there. An investigation was launched against the deputy magistrate who handled the case. Observers noted that at no point did the accused appear in court or publish the required public notice, suggesting an attempt to resolve the matter quietly, possibly to protect business reputations.

The case highlights the tension between individual accountability, corporate reputation, and public trust in the law. The court’s order sends a clear message: no individual or private institution stands above the law. Even if fines for violations could be substantial, the legal system enforces accountability for wrongdoing, particularly when it affects public welfare.

This case also underscores the importance of standing up for justice as a single individual. Sanath Athukorala’s persistence demonstrates that commitment to legal and social principles can bring public awareness and reinforce faith in the justice system.

Ultimately, this case serves as a reminder that private hospital directors and business leaders must act responsibly toward society and cannot evade the law. It is a lesson in accountability, legal integrity, and the vital role of citizens in upholding justice.