BY Methmalie Dissanayake
Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen, who faced accusations of amassing assets through suspicious means, conducting illegal sterilization surgeries, and alleged ties to terrorist activities, was acquitted today (6) by the Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court.
Outside the courthouse, Dr. Shafi expressed his gratitude to his supporters, including lawyers, journalists, activists, politicians, and the public.
“This is not just a victory for Dr. Shafi,” he stated. “It is a victory for everyone who values peace and justice. Now, everyone can see how a few individuals used me as a pawn for their personal and political agendas, deceiving an entire society and discriminating against the Muslim community. My family, my children, and I suffered immensely. Today’s decision brings justice for us all.”
He extended thanks to the legal team that represented him since 2019, noting, “There wasn’t any evidence against me. They lodged a complaint and then tried to build a case around it. Some officials abused their positions to orchestrate this baseless campaign. I am especially grateful to President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne and nearly 25 other President’s Counsels who supported me, as well as journalists who stood for the truth.”
Dr. Shafi also thanked President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who was the first to speak on his behalf in Parliament in 2019 as an MP, as well as former MPs Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Mujibur Rahuman, and Eran Wickremaratne for advocating for him both inside and outside Parliament.
He vowed to work towards preventing others from enduring similar injustices. “I will take legal action against those responsible for these false allegations and political propaganda. This is not for revenge but for justice,” he affirmed.
The Kurunegala Magistrate's Court ordered the release of Dr. Segu Shihabdin Mohammad Safi, a senior doctor at Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, accused by some of allegedly sterilizing mothers during caesarean sections to prevent future pregnancies.
After more than five years, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) submitted case files to the Attorney General, who informed the court and the CID in writing that there was insufficient evidence to file criminal charges.
CID investigations revealed that nearly 130 women who initially complained of sterilization later conceived again. Additionally, two women who underwent tests showed no blockage in their fallopian tubes.
Dr. Shafi was originally arrested by Kurunegala Headquarters Police on 24 May 2019, then handed over to the CID for further investigation under orders from then-Acting Inspector General of Police Chandana Wickramaratne. He was detained and investigated under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for nearly a month.
Following the investigation, the CID reported to the court that there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges under the PTA and decided to investigate possible Penal Code violations instead.
Additional Solicitor General Thusith Mudalige, along with Assistant Superintendent of Police B.S. Thisera and other officials, previously filed complaints against Athuraliye Rathana Thera and the then-Deputy Director of Kurunegala Hospital, Kangangamuwa, for obstructing and threatening the investigation.
The CID and the Sri Lanka Young Journalists’ Association (YJA) also filed complaints with the Judicial Service Commission against the then-magistrate of Kurunegala in connection with this case.
