Sri Lankan  police are under immense pressure to apprehend the suspect responsible for the sexual assault of a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital. The incident, which took place on March 10, has triggered widespread outrage, with medical professionals staging an indefinite strike demanding justice.

Growing Tension as Doctors Protest

Doctors, including specialists, have withdrawn from their duties, ceasing medical services except for emergency treatments. In a powerful display of solidarity, private medical practitioners have also halted their services, urging authorities to expedite the arrest of the suspect.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) emphasized that this attack highlights the longstanding issue of inadequate security for healthcare professionals in Sri Lanka.

“Hospitals should be a safe space for doctors and patients alike. We demand urgent measures to ensure our safety,” stated Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, the GMOA spokesperson.

The Suspect: An Army Deserter at Large

Investigators have identified the suspect as an army deserter who allegedly threatened the doctor with a knife before assaulting her in her on-call room. Despite deploying five specialized police teams, law enforcement agencies have yet to capture him, further fueling public anger.

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala confirmed in Parliament that the suspect has been identified and assured the public that all necessary efforts are being made to arrest him. However, the lack of progress has led to increasing scrutiny of the police force.

Political Pressure and Public Outcry

The case has reached the highest levels of government, with opposition leader Sajith Premadasa raising concerns about the safety of public servants. “We need stricter laws and immediate action to protect those serving the nation,” he stated.

Adding to the controversy, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, currently under suspension, has become a focal point of criticism. Many argue that the inefficiency of the police force under his leadership has led to a decline in public trust in law enforcement agencies.

Media Ethics and Victim Privacy

As the case garners widespread media coverage, Health and Media Minister Nalinda Jayathissa has urged media outlets to respect the victim’s privacy. “The dignity of the victim must be preserved. We call on all media platforms to report responsibly,” he emphasized.

Open Warrant for Deshabandu Arrest

An open warrant has been issued against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon by the Matara Magistrate’s Court, upon the request of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID),

The CID informed the Matara Magistrate’s Court today that a total of ten suspicious locations across the island had been inspected, and intelligence officers had been deployed to eighteen other locations in an effort to arrest the former IGP.

On March 10, former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon filed a writ petition with the Court of Appeal, seeking an order to prevent his arrest.

The petition, filed through his legal representatives, requested that an interim injunction be issued to stay the arrest warrant issued against him by the Matara Magistrate’s Court.

A Nation Awaits Justice

With increasing public outcry and nationwide protests, Sri Lanka’s law enforcement agencies face one of their biggest tests. As the search for the suspect continues, the question remains: Can the police restore public confidence by swiftly delivering justice?

The coming days will be crucial, not just for law enforcement, but for the entire nation watching closely to see whether justice will prevail