Neurosurgeon’s Case Death threats against Bribery Commission counsel at court premises

• It is alleged that Dr. Maheshi's daughter threatened them while they were exiting the court  
• The Magistrate instructed that a formal complaint be lodged with the Keselwatta Police for further action
• Bribery Commission was present in court for the hearing of the bail application filed on behalf of Dr. Maheshi  
• Suspect performed repeated surgeries on same patients  

By Bhagya Silva

The Colombo Chief Magistrate yesterday directed that a complaint be lodged with the Keselwatta Police following an allegation that death threats were made against Sulochana Hettiarachchi, Assistant Director of the Bribery Commission.  

The alleged incident occurred within the court premises as counsel Sulochana Hettiarachchi and investigating officer Dilum Dushantha were leaving the courtroom after the day’s proceedings. It is alleged that Dr. Maheshi’s daughter threatened them while they were exiting the court following the hearing.  

Counsel Hettiarachchi immediately informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga about the incident. The Magistrate instructed that a formal complaint be lodged with the Keselwatta Police for further action.  

The Bribery Commission was present in court yesterday for the hearing of the bail application filed on behalf of Dr. Maheshi. Making submissions in court yesterday, President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne said “While many doctors in our country choose to migrate and serve abroad, this doctor has chosen to remain in Sri Lanka and make a significant contribution to the people and the nation. That is what truly matters.”  

He also said that the ongoing investigation is being conducted by the same officer, Gamini Abeysinghe, who was previously arrested in 2016 for allegedly exchanging official Bribery Commission documents with another person. “The Bribery Commission should first take action against those within their own institution who have committed wrongdoings,” he told court.  Based on these arguments, the President’s Counsel requested that his client be granted bail.  

Opposing the bail application, Assistant Director of the Bribery Commission Counsel Sulochana Hettiarachchi and the investigating officer appearing for the prosecution informed the court that, “the suspect had performed the same surgical procedure on certain patients as many as seven to eight times. Statements have so far been recorded from nearly 100 patients. More suspects, including other doctors and hospital staff, are expected to be arrested in connection with the incident.”Furthermore, it was clarified in court that the ongoing investigation into this incident is not being conducted by Gamini Abeysinghe. He is serving only as the head of the Special Investigation Unit and is not involved as the investigating officer. The investigation is being carried out by Mr. Dilum Dushantha. It was also emphasised that this case has no connection whatsoever to the previous incident involving Gamini Abeysinghe.  

The Magistrate subsequently set the order on the bail for July 8.