Making a statement on malnutrition Doctor placed on interdiction SC to hear petition on December 14

• a letter dated 03.11.2022  by the Secretary to the Ministry of Health indicates that a preliminary inquiry had already been conducted by the Ministry of Health and accordingly it has been found that the Petitioner has acted in breach of section 31:1:15 of the Establishment Code

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Fundamental Rights petition filed by a doctor who was interdicted following his statement to media regarding malnutrition among children in Suriyawewa area, was today fixed for support by Supreme Court.  

 The petitioner, Dr. Galmangoda Guruge Chamal is seeking an order quashing the recommendation of the Health Ministry Secretary to interdict him from services as reflected in the letter dated October 25, 2022.  

Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Gamini Amarasekara and Mahinda Samayawardena fixed the petition for support on December 14.  
The petitioner states that on or around September 19, 2022, in his capacity as the President of the ‘Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors’ he visited Walsapugala Koswagawa village in Suriyawewa in Hambantota District to conduct a medical clinic for children, to check their nutrition levels.  

 The petitioner further said that he has come to understand that certain media outlets had embellished the statement made by him in their respective newspapers and TV channels.   
The Doctor states that a letter dated 03.11.2022  by the Secretary to the Ministry of Health indicates that a preliminary inquiry had already been conducted by the Ministry of Health and accordingly it has been found that the Petitioner has acted in breach of section 31:1:15 of the Establishment Code.