Doctor Identifies Suspect in Anuradhapura Hospital Assault Case

 

Identification Parade Confirms Suspect

A suspect accused of assaulting a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital was positively identified by the victim during an identification parade held today (March 28) at the Anuradhapura Magistrate's Court.

Court Proceedings and Victim’s Testimony

The case, which was called before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court, saw the doctor appearing in court after missing two prior sessions. During an identification parade conducted in the magistrate’s official chamber, she correctly identified the suspect as the individual who assaulted her in the hospital’s residential quarters.

Swift Police Action and Arrest

Authorities acted swiftly, arresting the suspect in the Galnewa area within 24 hours of the complaint. Five police teams were deployed for the operation. Following his arrest, the suspect was presented in court and remanded in custody.

Victim’s Account of the Attack

The victim, a 32-year-old unmarried pediatric trainee doctor, provided a detailed statement describing the incident.

"I finished my duties at 3:30 PM on the 10th and returned to my quarters. Later, I visited Ruwanwelisaya Temple and returned around 6:30 PM. As I was about to enter my room, I sensed someone behind me. When I turned, a man who had been leaning against the door of the adjacent room placed a knife on my neck, covered my mouth, and ordered me to stay silent and open the door. Out of fear, I complied," she stated in her complaint.

Suspect’s Background and Legal Developments

The suspect, identified as W. Nilantha Maduranga (34), is a former army soldier. Following his arrest, he was hospitalized due to complications allegedly caused by police interrogation. However, reports indicate his condition has now improved.

Another Arrest Linked to the Case

In a related development, police also arrested the suspect’s elder sister, Salika Harshani Ratnayake, for allegedly sheltering him and owning the victim’s phone. She was presented in court and later granted bail on March 17.

This case continues to develop as authorities pursue justice for the victim.