Dr Shafi Shihabdeen Acquitted of All Charges

The case, which had drawn widespread attention and concern, was dismissed after the Attorney General’s Department informed the court that there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

Dr. Shihabdeen had been sent on compulsory leave in May 2019 following allegations that he had performed sterilization surgeries on women without their consent at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital. In addition to the sterilization claims, he faced accusations of illegally acquiring wealth and maintaining connections with a terrorist organization. 

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the court ruled in Dr. Shihabdeen’s favor, concluding that there was no credible evidence to support the charges against him. 

The case has sparked significant public debate in Sri Lanka, particularly concerning the treatment of medical professionals and the handling of high-profile accusations. Dr. Shihabdeen's acquittal raises questions about the evidence and legal processes involved in the investigation.

Dr. Shihabdeen, who had been under investigation for several years, has now been cleared of all charges, allowing him to resume his professional life without the legal cloud that had hung over him.