Sri Lanka Medical Council hit by controversy

COLOMBO: Specialist Consultant Pediatrician Prof. Harendra de Silva says he will challenge his dismissal from the Sri Lanka Medical Council, The Island reported.

“Before I was informed of my termination, some Health Ministry officials urged me to resign, but I declined to do so,” Dr. de Silva Was quoted as saying in the report.

The sacking of the president and four members nominated to the council by the previous government has triggered an uproar.

Medical professionals criticized Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi’s move as “completely flawed” and “an attempt to undermine the autonomy and independence of the apex regulatory body.”

Dr. de Silva expressed consternation over his sudden dismissal as the president of the statutory body.

Pressure was also exerted on the other four members of the council to step down, he noted. “However, we collectively stood our ground and refused to throw in the towel.”

“It was after I dismissed the overtures calling for my resignation that a letter indicating that I have been removed as SLMC president was sent across,” he said in The Island report.