SLMC Chairman Removed Following Supreme Court Ruling, Tenders Resignation
Colombo, Sri Lanka – In a significant development for Sri Lanka’s medical regulatory body, Dr. Vajira Dissanayake has been removed from his position as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) today, September 19th, following a decisive ruling by the Supreme Court. Dr. Dissanayake subsequently tendered his resignation to the Minister of Health, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
In his letter of resignation, Dr. Dissanayake acknowledged the Supreme Court’s decision, stating his intent to step down and thereby facilitate the appointment of a new president for the SLMC by the Health Minister.
Years-Long Legal Battle Concludes
The Supreme Court’s judgment brings to a close a protracted legal battle that originated in 2020. At that time, the then Health Minister, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, controversially removed the then-SLMC President, Professor Harendra Silva, along with four other members from their positions.
This removal was challenged in the Court of Appeal, which subsequently ruled the minister’s actions as illegal and arbitrary, nullifying the decision. The case was then escalated to the Supreme Court.
Today’s dismissal of the appeal by the Supreme Court effectively upheld the Court of Appeal’s earlier verdict, confirming the illegality of the initial removal of Professor Silva and his colleagues.
Impact on SLMC Leadership
While the Supreme Court has affirmed the Court of Appeal’s ruling, the passage of time has meant that Professor Silva and the other previously removed members have already completed their stipulated terms of office. Consequently, their reinstatement to the SLMC is no longer possible.
The immediate effect of this ruling is the vacancy of the SLMC Chairman position, requiring Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa to now appoint a new president to lead the country’s primary medical regulatory body. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the SLMC, potentially ushering in a new era of leadership following a period of considerable legal and administrative contention.
