LEN - www.lankaenews.com | Trincomalee GMOA Chairman and two others suspended due to infant death: Signed the government hospital strike and worked at a private hospital

Trincomalee GMOA Chairman and two others suspended due to infant death: Signed the government hospital strike and worked at a private hospital

By Ruwan Weerakoon

(Lanka-e-News -12.May.2026, 2.30 AM) The report regarding the suspension of the Trincomalee GMOA Chairman and a senior resident doctor highlights a severe case of medical negligence and professional misconduct.

The report regarding the suspension of the Trincomalee GMOA Chairman and a senior resident doctor highlights a severe case of medical negligence and professional misconduct.

The Ministry of Health’s decision follows a preliminary investigation into the tragic death of an infant at the Trincomalee District General Hospital on April 9, during a period of trade union action.

Summary of the Incident

The investigation paints a troubling picture of the events leading to the infant's death:
Medical Emergency: At approximately 8:45 am, a ward doctor identified that a baby in delivery had passed meconium (a sign of fetal distress).

Neglected Calls: Despite being alerted six separate times by telephone, the specialist and the resident doctor failed to attend to the maternity ward.

Conflict of Interest: The Ministry revealed that while these doctors were unreachable at the government hospital, they were allegedly performing a caesarean section at a nearby private hospital.

Falsification of Records: It is alleged that the doctors made false entries in the government hospital diary to appear as though they were on duty during the strike.

Disciplinary Actions Taken

Following the recommendations of the Health Services Committee of the Public Service Commission, the Secretary to the Ministry of Health suspended the following individuals:
Dr. O.V.G.L. Weerasena (Obstetrician and Gynecologist Specialist & Trincomalee GMOA Chairman)
Dr. S.A.N.D. Siyambalapitiya (Senior Resident Doctor)
The suspension was carried out under the provisions of the Establishments Code, citing gross neglect of duty and the prioritization of personal gain over emergency patient care.

Broader Implications

This case has sparked significant public outcry in Sri Lanka, raising critical questions about the ethics of medical trade unionism:
Ethical Breach: The incident is viewed as a betrayal of the "exemplary leadership" expected from trade union heads.
The "Strike" Guardrail: While unions have the right to strike, essential services, especially emergency maternity care, are legally and ethically required to be maintained to prevent loss of life.
Private Practice vs. Public Duty: The Ministry's findings suggest a systemic issue in which private practice may interfere with public-sector obligations during critical hours.

Note: The loss of an infant under these circumstances is a tragedy that often leads to both disciplinary inquiries and potential criminal negligence investigations under Sri Lankan law.