Doctor remanded for allegedly assaulting minor workers

BY Hemantha Randunu and Lalith Chaminda

The Galle Magistrate yesterday (18) ordered that Dr. Krishantha Perera, the surgeon in charge of the oncology ward of the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, be remanded until 22 January for allegedly assaulting two minor staff members.

Seventy two health sector trade unions recently held a token strike in protest against the government’s decision to increase the allowance of only doctors.

The minor employees attached to the Cancer Unit of the hospital joined the strike. A heated argument between Dr. Perera and striking workers erupted on 17 January when he accused them of disrupting hospital activities.

Two workers then lodged a complaint that Dr. Perera had assaulted them. The workers commenced a strike yesterday demanding the arrest of Dr. Perera.

They also allege that Dr. Perera was drunk when he assaulted them. The doctor has denied the charge.Following the incident, the doctor had admitted himself to a private hospital. The police arrested him there and presented him before the court.