Dr. Krishantha Perera, who is currently in prison for assaulting a minor employee, has decided to retire.
In a letter addressed to the Director of Karapitiya Hospital, he formally informed of his decision to retire from June 20, 2024. Dr. Perera requested pre-retirement leave from January 18, 2024, until the effective retirement date.
The decision to retire comes in the wake of a controversial incident involving Dr. Perera and junior staff at Karapitiya Hospital. The letter outlines the unfortunate and organized actions that led to his retirement decision, including the illegal actions of junior staff during a strike, insults, beatings, and death threats directed at him by around 300 individuals.
Dr. Perera expressed deep frustration with the harassment he faced and criticized the hospital administration’s response to the situation. The letter also mentioned alleged incompetence and despicable actions by the hospital director and administration, as well as implicating certain officers of the Galle Headquarters Police.
Here is the letter explaining the situation regarding the incident.
The retirement decision of a senior specialist like Dr. Perera, who served the Sri Lankan people for thirty-four years, raises concerns amid the already existing shortage of specialist doctors in the country. The letter reflects the challenging circumstances faced by healthcare professionals and highlights issues within the hospital environment.
It remains to be seen how this retirement will impact the ongoing controversy and discussions surrounding Dr. Perera’s actions and the response of the hospital and law enforcement authorities.
Alongside the retirement decision, Dr. Perera submitted a letter requesting pre-retirement leave from the date of his retirement request. The letter is a formal request to the Director of Karapitiya Hospital for approval of the leave.