Attacks on SLMC members:

'Enough is Enough' says Vidyajothi Prof. Lalitha Mendis

"I have no doubt that the whole medical fraternity of Sri Lanka would join me in condemning the grenade attack on Dr Lalantha Ranasinghe's residence on August 16, 2012, a member of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC). This cowardly act is one of many that SLMC members have been subjected to.

'Dr. Ranasinghe served on the Medical Council during the whole of my tenure of office as president, SLMC. He is forthright, does not mince his words and speaks on matters of principle. He has done so on many issues facing the medical council at present.

'The foremost duty of the medical council is to promote and maintain the health and safety of the public by ensuring proper standards in the training of doctors and other healthcare workers (HCW); ensuring proper standards in the practice of medicine; registering doctors, dentists and other HCW and regulating the practice of those registered.

'In the course of performing its duties, decisions have to be made and opinions expressed, which may be unpalatable to some individuals and institutions.

'Here lies the problem that in performing their duties by the public, some members of the Medical Council have had to face acts of intimidation.

'In 2002, the residence of a former President of the Medical Council was bombed, shots fired at the residence of the then Registrar and an attempt made to set fire to the Medical Council office. 'In 2011, the Registrar of the Medical Council was assaulted at the gates of his residence. I myself as President of the Medical Council was verbally abused on various occasions, including over the radio.

'Therefore, the grenade attack on Dr. Ranasinghe's residence is just another in a series of intimidatory acts by vested interests who resent having to conform to standards and who have reckless disregard for the safety of the public.

'Does the public of this country want its health and safety protected by the Medical Council? If so, I hope they would with one voice rise and say 'Enough is Enough' Vidyajothi Professor Lalitha Mendis immediate past President of the Sri Lanka Medical Council said.