- Group claims disciplinary decisions of acquittal taken by PSC-appointed tribunals are being reversed using E-Code
- Wants Health Secy. to conduct separate probe
The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA) has claimed that the Ministry of Health’s Investigation Division has overturned the acquittals of several health workers despite those decisions being reached through formal disciplinary investigations conducted by tribunals appointed by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Speaking to The Daily Morning, MCPA President Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said that nearly 19 health workers who were cleared by formal disciplinary investigation committees had later been recommended to be considered guilty by the Ministry’s Deputy Director General (DDG) – Investigations.
“After an initial inquiry, the PSC appoints a tribunal to carry out a formal disciplinary investigation, which is a lengthy and costly process. If the outcomes of such proceedings can be changed by the Ministry’s Investigation Division using certain provisions in the Establishments Code, the Government should question the DDG - Investigations on funds spent on these investigations and take steps to recover that money,” he added.
Speaking further, Dr. Sanjeewa noted that in cases where the conclusions of formal disciplinary investigations do not align with the preferences of certain senior officials, the ministry’s Investigation Division has exercised its discretion under the Establishments Code to reverse acquittals. This was confirmed, he said, in a letter issued on 24 July 2025 by the DDG – Investigations, in response to a request made under the Right to Information Act, No. 12 of 2016.
He said that the Health Ministry’s Secretary, Dr. Anil Jasinghe should launch a separate investigation, saying that the Investigation Division’s actions had undermined the trust of those who took part in the formal disciplinary process in the health sector.
Attempts to contact the Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, and Dr. Jasinghe proved futile.