A senior oncologist of Karapitiya hospital has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a female junior staff member during a contentious situation that erupted on Wednesday (Jan. 17). The specialist doctor, 61, is currently under police custody at a private hospital.
The assault occurred amid a heated argument between the doctor and other hospital staff, who were accused of disrupting services by participating in a token strike the day before. The hospital’s authorities intervened, bringing the situation under control. The female staff member, reportedly assaulted during the altercation, sought medical attention at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital.
Expressing ‘deep concerns’ over the incident, the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) highlighted the potential impact on the safety of Dr. S.C.R. Perera and cancer care. The Karapitiya branch of AMS has called for an urgent impartial inquiry and the swift restoration of normal hospital services.
The AMS letter noted disruptions to cancer-related clinical work during a previous trade union action on January 16, prompting Dr. S.C.R. Perera to file a complaint about the compromised surgical operations. The AMS expressed regret over the continuous harassment of Dr. S.C.R. Perera, emphasizing the need to protect the provision of essential cancer care.
