Police Action Intensifies National Outcry Over Assault and Fugitive IGP

The Sri Lankan police force is under immense scrutiny as it faces mounting pressure to act on two high-profile cases: the sexual assault of a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital and the manhunt for former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, who is evading arrest.

Doctors Strike Over Delayed Arrest in Hospital Assault Case

A nationwide crisis erupted after a 32-year-old female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital was reportedly assaulted at the hospital's quarters on March 10. According to sources, the suspect, an unidentified individual, entered the premises, threatened her with a knife, and committed the assault.

The shocking incident has prompted an indefinite strike by doctors, including specialists, demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrator.

"We will not return to work until justice is served. Security measures in hospitals are inadequate, and this is unacceptable," stated Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, spokesperson for the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA).

Specialist doctors have extended their protest by withdrawing from private practice, further amplifying the urgency of the situation.

The police have launched an extensive investigation, with multiple teams deployed to track down the suspect. However, delays in making an arrest have intensified public frustration.

Hunt for Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon

Meanwhile, the search for suspended former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon has taken a dramatic turn after the Matara Magistrate’s Court issued an open warrant for his arrest.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) revealed that searches were conducted across ten suspicious locations, with intelligence teams monitoring eighteen additional sites. However, the former IGP remains at large.

Tennakoon, accused in connection with a December 31, 2023, shooting incident in Weligama, filed a writ petition with the Court of Appeal on March 10, seeking to block his arrest. Despite this, the police have urged the public to provide any information on his whereabouts, warning that those aiding him could face legal consequences under Article 209 of the Penal Code.

Political Pressure and Public Outrage Mount

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and several political figures have demanded swift action on both cases, emphasizing the need for accountability in law enforcement.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that police teams are actively pursuing the suspects but admitted that delays have led to growing distrust in law enforcement agencies.

Will Justice Be Served?

With police facing intense scrutiny over their handling of both the Anuradhapura hospital assault case and the fugitive ex-IGP, Sri Lanka’s justice system is at a crossroads.

As the days pass without significant breakthroughs, public confidence continues to erode. The nation waits to see if authorities can deliver justice and restore faith in law enforcement.