Another J’pura doctor resigns

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

In yet another resignation involving a controversially appointed official, Chairman of the Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital, Dr. Jayanga Tilakaratna, has tendered his resignation to the Minister of Health, the Daily Mirror learns.   

Health Ministry sources confirmed that his resignation letter has been accepted by the Minister. Dr. Tilakaratna, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, was appointed to the post in October 2024.   

However, his appointment came under fire from several members of the medical community, who criticized it as being politically influenced rather than based on merit or seniority. Following his resignation, Dr. Tilakaratna has assumed duties as the Gynecologist at the District Base Hospital in Dambulla.   His departure adds to the list of controversial appointees stepping down under the current NPP-led government. Among those who have already resigned are Ramal Siriwardena, who served as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), and Senesh Bandara, the former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.   

In addition, sources indicate that several appointments within the health sector have been made bypassing standard recruitment procedures.