A visiting obstetrician and gynaecologist (VOG), who had been released from the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital to the De Soysa Maternity Hospital for Women on 8 September, has reportedly performed a major surgery on a 15-year-old girl at the Kurunegala Hospital on 10 September, an act deemed unethical as he was no longer attached to the institution.

According to sources, the doctor, whose permanent position was at the Kurunegala Hospital, had applied in 2025 and been selected for positions at both the Wayamba University and the De Soysa Hospital. As per procedure, he was required to choose one appointment. However, a case had been filed challenging the selection criteria for the University post, with the petitioner - another VOG currently attached to another university - claiming to be more qualified.

In the course of the legal proceedings, the relevant party has given an undertaking to court that the Kurunegala consultant’s appointment to the Wayamba University would not be confirmed until the case was resolved. As a result, the VOG accepted the appointment at the De Soysa Hospital.

He was accordingly released from the Kurunegala Hospital on 8 September and reported for duty at the De Soysa Hospital the following day (9 September). However, on 10 September, he returned to the Kurunegala Hospital and performed a major surgery on a 15-year-old girl - despite no longer being attached to that hospital. The Hospital’s Director has subsequently initiated an internal inquiry into the matter.

Subsequently, the doctor in question, on 11 September,  has made a written request to the relevant Deputy Director General of Health Services (DDGHS) seeking temporary release to take up duties three days a week at the University (though his appointment would not be confirmed until the conclusion of the court proceedings). The DDGHS, noting that Public Service Commission approval was required, instructed the VOG to submit the relevant documents.

The VOG had later met with the DGHS Dr. Asela Gunawardena, on 22 September, after which the latter had issued a letter releasing him for 'teaching activities' at the University – allocating certain days at the De Soysa Hospital and the rest at the University. Sources said that the VOG had not informed the DGHS about the court undertaking or the issue pertaining to the surgery that he had performed at the Kurunegala Hospital.

After receiving this approval, the VOG in question has reportedly begun visiting the University and attempted to conduct a private practice in the area. However, according to the Establishment Code (E Code 0299, Clause 6), private practice is only permitted within the Province where the officer’s institution is located.

In response to a Right to Information request, the Kurunegala Hospital's Director, Dr. Mihiri Priyangani has informed the surgery in question was performed under the direct supervision of the VOG in question, and by a Senior House Officer (SHO). However, the Hospital’s surgical logbook, which was seen by The Daily Morning, records that the surgery was performed by the VOG in question himself, assisted by two SHOs.

It has since been revealed that the DGHS had been unaware of the surgery or the court order when the letter permitting the doctor’s teaching activities was issued. Sources now allege that the VOG may attempt to misuse the DGHS’s letter to justify his actions at the Kurunegala Hospital.

Dr. Gunawardena and Dr. Priyangani were not available for comment.

When contacted by The Daily Morning, the VOG in question said: “You should ask the Hospital Director or the person who provided you with that information. I am bound by the relevant laws and don’t engage in any unlawful activity as a doctor.”