Dr. Rukshan Bellana held hostage in office amid tensions

Dr. Rukshan Bellana, the Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital, found himself held hostage yesterday within his own office by minor staff workers, hospital sources said.   

Tensions escalated within the hospital as Dr. Bellana pointed fingers at President of the Federation of Health Professionals, Ravi Kumudesh, alleging that he orchestrated protests outside the hospital against him.    According to Dr. Bellana, the protest stemmed from his criticism of a massive strike orchestrated by the health workers, which he deemed a significant defeat.   

The workers, allegedly provoked by Ravi Kumudesh, have been at odds with Dr. Bellana since his outspoken critique of their actions.