Dr. Shafi Sihabdeen has been acquitted of all charges by the Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court, as reported by Ada Derana. Dr. Shafi faced allegations of amassing assets through suspicious means, performing unauthorized sterilization surgeries, and having links to terrorist activities.
The case was heard today (Nov 6), with the court dismissing all charges after the Attorney General’s Department informed the magistrate that there was insufficient evidence to proceed. Consequently, Dr. Shafi was fully acquitted, and the travel ban previously imposed on him was lifted.
Dr. Shafi was originally arrested in 2019 amid claims that he had acquired assets unlawfully. Additionally, he was accused of performing sterilization surgeries without consent, allegedly affecting women treated by him during caesarean deliveries, and was later detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The allegations led to numerous complaints filed by mothers from Kurunegala Teaching Hospital and Dambulla General Hospital, who claimed to have experienced difficulties in conceiving after treatment by Dr. Shafi.
The dismissal of the case marks a significant legal resolution in a matter that had drawn widespread attention and public debate.
Source – adaderana.lk
