• Claims that a letter of suspension issued by MOH has harmed his reputation

The President of the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA), Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa has sent a letter of demand (LOD) to Health Ministry's Secretary, demanding a sum of Rs. one billion over a suspension letter issued despite the former leaving public service in September 2024.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Dr. Sanjeewa stated that he had left the public service in September 2024 due to his involvement in active politics and had not drawn a salary as a public servant since. Given this, he said that he was surprised to see reports of a suspension letter issued by the Health Ministry.

"The letter suspending my duties was published in the media and caused harm to my reputation as a politician, as well as a nationally and internationally recognised scientific researcher and civil society activist. That letter was issued with the intention of taking personal revenge instead of following the prescribed procedures. I informed the Ministry Secretary through the attorneys that if the demanded sum is not paid within 14 days, I will file a lawsuit," he charged.

It was recently reported that the Health Ministry has suspended Dr. Sanjeewa, citing breaches of the Establishments Code. The decision had reportedly been taken following an investigation carried out by the Health Service Committee of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Subsequently, he had demanded that an investigation be done to determine who sought to issue such a letter by making misleading submissions to the PSC.

Sanjeewa was previously suspended in 2022, reportedly due to his revelations regarding the malnutrition situation among children in the Hambantota District during the economic crisis that emerged in the country.

Attempts to contact the Secretary of the Ministry of Health regarding the allegations proved futile.