Doctor arrested for sexual harassment

29 May 2025 08:01 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 17 Bookmark

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By D.G. Sugathapala

Colombo, May 29 (Daily Mirror) - A doctor operating a private medical centre and guest house in Unawatuna, Galle, has been arrested on suspicion of sexually harassing a 22-year-old woman employed at the medical centre.

The suspect was produced before Galle Additional Magistrate Lakmini Vidanagamage and released on personal bail of Rs. 1 million with two sureties each.

The incident allegedly occurred when the doctor assigned the young woman to arrange beds at the guest house. While she was attending to the task, he is reported to have entered the room and held her by her hands. The woman managed to escape and immediately informed her husband, who arrived at the scene with several others.

Following the incident, the doctor reportedly promised in writing to pay Rs. 3.5 million as a settlement. However, the situation escalated when the doctor lodged a complaint claiming that the woman's relatives were attempting to extort money from him. He alleged that they had demanded a portion of the promised sum. When the woman’s parents arrived to collect the money, police arrested both parties. During investigations, the doctor withdrew his complaint.

Despite this, the doctor was arrested following a complaint by the victim to the Galle Division Children and Women’s Bureau and was subsequently produced before court.

Lawyers appearing for the 59-year-old suspect argued that he was a reputed doctor in the area and claimed that the complaint, along with the involvement of the woman's relatives, was part of an attempt to extort money through false allegations of sexual harassment. They further alleged that the woman’s relatives had threatened, intimidated and assaulted the doctor to force him to write the letter agreeing to a settlement.

After considering submissions from both parties, the Additional Magistrate released the suspect on bail.

A police team led by CI Kumara De Silva, OIC of the Habaraduwa Police, is conducting further investigations.