• Forensic report still pending

Health and Mass Media Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe yesterday (3) said that he was unable to comply at this stage with a request to conduct a psychological autopsy on Finance Ministry official Ranga Rajapaksa who allegedly died by suicide following suspension from service.

Responding to queries from The Daily Morning, he said that no further decision could be taken until the post-mortem report prepared by a four-member forensic panel is finalised.

He stressed that there could be no question of bias, noting the examination had been conducted by a panel of four forensic medical specialists. “There is nothing beyond that at this stage. If further steps are needed, we will look into it. There can be different suggestions and proposals,” he said.

Dr. Jasinghe added that it would be difficult for the Government to arrive at any alternative conclusion when the forensic report remains pending.

Attempts to contact Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, who also serves as Health and Mass Media Minister, as well as Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, several medical specialists, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there is a need to establish structured counselling and psychological support systems for public officials, similar to those available in the education sector.

They noted that public servants face significant pressure due to the nature of their responsibilities and accountability, and should not be compelled to seek private counselling services to manage stress.

The deceased Finance Ministry official had been suspended along with several others over investigations into the alleged diversion of USD 2.5 million linked to a Treasury external debt payment.

Given the circumstances surrounding the death, former Western Provincial Councillor and Attorney-at-Law Shiral Lakthilake had called for a psychological autopsy to assess the mental health condition of the deceased.