• Shihabdeen’s salary arrears are ordered to be paid 

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen 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, Shihabdeen’s salary arrears are ordered to be paid.  

The Secretary to the Health Ministry has also called for explanation from Kurunegala Hospital Director as to why Dr. Shihabdeen was not paid his salary during the period he was sent on compulsory leave.  There was a huge controversy over Dr. Shihabdeen 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 lodged at the Kurunegala Hospital by a number of women.  

The 42-year-old doctor was 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.  

• The 42-year-old doctor was arrested by the police on May 24, 2019 and later handed over to the CID