Doctors strike over sexual assault of female doctor at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital

Doctors at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital have launched an indefinite strike, demanding the immediate arrest of the suspect involved in the sexual assault of a female doctor.

According to reports, the victim, a 32-year-old female doctor, was sexually assaulted last evening (March 10) after returning to her government-provided quarters for medical officers following the completion of her duties.

The incident occurred between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM when an unidentified individual allegedly entered the premises, threatened her with a knife, and sexually assaulted her.

In response, doctors, including specialists, initiated the strike, urging authorities to ensure the safety of medical professionals working at the hospital. Additionally, specialist doctors have decided to withdraw from private practice in protest.

The Anuradhapura Police are conducting further investigations into the case, while the medical community continues to pressure law enforcement for swift action against the perpetrator.

Meanwhile, the suspect in the sexual assault of the female doctor at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital has been identified as an army deserter, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today (March 11).

Responding to a question raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, the Minister stated that police have determined the suspect’s whereabouts and an operation is underway to arrest him.

“Five police teams have been deployed to investigate and apprehend the suspect,” he said.

Premadasa had earlier claimed that the doctor was assaulted while on her way to the hospital’s emergency call room.