Dr. Shafi Sihihabdeen reinstated; his salary arrears ordered to be paid

Dr. Shafi Sihihabdeen attached to Kurunegala Hospital who was sent on compulsory leave after being accused of performing illegal sterilisation operations has been reinstated, the Health Ministry said.

The directive has been issued by Health Ministry Secretary Major General Sanjeewa Munasinghe in a letter addressed to the Kurunegala Hospital Director.

According to the letter, Sihihabdeen’s salary arrears are ordered to be paid.

The Secretary to the Health Ministry has also called for expectations from Kurunegala Hospital Director as to why Dr Sihihabdeen was not paid his salary during the period he was sent on compulsory leave.

There was a huge controversy over Dr Sihihabdeen during 2019 and 2020 as he was alleged to have performed illegal sterilisation surgeries on a large number of women. 

Accordingly, multiple complaints against Dr Shafi were also received to Kurunegala Hospital by a number of women.

The 42-year-old doctor was once arrested by the police on May 24, 2019, and later handed over to the CID. He was first accused of earning assets through suspicious means. (Sheain Fernandopulle)