Medical specialists question legality of SLMC President, Legal Officer

Medical Specialists have raised serious concerns with regard to the legality of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) President and its Legal Officer in the context of where they enjoy high posts simultaneously against the Establishments Code.

According to informed sources, Prof. Vajira H.W. Dissanayake who is the incumbent SLMC President is also currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Colombo and the Registrar of the Ceylon Medical College Council (CMCC).

Several council members told Daily Mirror that according to the Establishments Code, Dissanayake cannot hold three positions simultaneously and thus, urged authorities to take necessary actions on the matter.

Besides, a top official from the University of Colombo on terms of anonymity told Daily Mirror that Prof. Dissanayake had not sought permission from the top management from the Colombo University about his position at the SLMC.

It is also learnt that the SLMC President is enjoying allowances from all positions he holds at present.

Sources further referred to two instances where an SLMC member resigned from all posts from SLMC as she was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the Kelaniya University while a former Vice Chancellor of the Wayamba University resigned from the post when the official was offered a Secretary post.

Meanwhile, council members raised concerns regarding the current legal officer at SLMC who was earlier accused of simultaneously working as the Legal Secretary to the Board of Directors of the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital without prior approval or consent of the SLMC for a period of one year from 02/06/2018 to 02/06/2019. According to sources, during this period, she was drawing salaries and allowances from both institutions while hiding the fact of working in multiple places.

Besides, an inquiry initiated in 2020 against the legal officer has been stopped by the present president whose legal positions are now been challenged in the Supreme Court.

As such, the council members question the retention of the particular legal officer, who is reportedly to be upgraded as the Chief Legal Officer. (Sheain Fernandopulle)