Raise Concerns
The Sri Lanka Medical Council has the power to inquire into complaints made against any practitioner registered with the Council.
How to Make a Complaint
The Sri Lanka Medical Council is a statutory body established under the Medical Ordinance and can act only within the powers conferred by the law. A formal disciplinary inquiry may be initiated only when a complaint complies with the requirements prescribed in the Medical Disciplinary (Procedure) Regulations, 1990. These requirements ensure that complaints are considered through a fair, transparent, and legally compliant process. Once a complaint is accepted, the Council must obtain and carefully review relevant information and supporting documents from the complainant, the practitioner concerned, and, where necessary, the healthcare institution or other relevant parties. As this process is essential to ensure a fair and impartial inquiry, it may take some time before a formal decision is made.
Complaint Requirements
As per Regulation 3, no complaint shall be entertained unless it:
Is preferred by means of a written statement addressed to the Registrar, setting out the facts or matters alleged against the practitioner.
Is supported by an affidavit as to the facts alleged — where the complaint relates to infamous conduct, negligence, or incapacity in professional duties.
Affidavit Exemption — Public Capacity
Where a complaint is made by a person acting in a public capacity (Vice Chancellor, Registrar of a University, head of a Government Department, Mayor, Chairman of an Urban Council or Pradeshiya Sabha, or the Registrar), the affidavit requirement is dispensed with.
Complaint Evaluation Process
Once a complaint meets the requirements above, it moves through the following stages. Approximate timeframes are indicative and may vary depending on the complexity of the case.
Step 1 — Preliminary Review
[approx. duration]The complaint is reviewed by the Registrar and the President, SLMC to determine whether it falls within the jurisdiction of the Sri Lanka Medical Council and whether it complies with the requirements of the Medical Disciplinary (Procedure) Regulations, 1990.
Where additional information is required, the complainant may be requested to provide further details or supporting documents.
The practitioner is notified of the complaint and is requested to provide a written explanation. Relevant hospital records are obtained through an official request. Once these documents are complete, and if the complaint satisfies the legal and procedural requirements, it is forwarded to the Preliminary Proceedings Committee for the initial assessment.
Step 2 — Initial Assessment by the Preliminary Proceedings Committee
[approx. duration]It is a five-member committee presided by the Vice President of the SLMC.
The function of the PPC is to assess the complaint and explanations including medical records and other evidence to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to proceed under the Medical Ordinance.
Not every complaint is forwarded to the next level for a formal disciplinary inquiry. Complaints that fall outside the Council's jurisdiction or do not meet the prescribed requirements may not proceed further.
Step 3 — Formal Disciplinary Inquiry by the Professional Conduct Committee
[approx. duration]This is a [X]-member committee chaired by the President of the SLMC.
The practitioner concerned is informed of the complaint and is given an opportunity to respond. Evidence from both parties is considered before any decision is made. The accused and the complainant have the right to get the services of a legal counsel.
Following the inquiry, the PCC considers all available evidence and determines whether Serious Professional Misconduct has been established.
The recommended decision is forwarded to the council for ratification.
Step 4 — Decision of the Council
[approx. duration]The Council may decide to:
Step 5 — Notification of Outcome
[approx. duration]The complainant and the practitioner are informed of the outcome of the disciplinary process in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.
Guiding Principles
Throughout the complaints process, the Sri Lanka Medical Council is committed to ensuring that:
- All complaints are treated fairly and impartially.
- Both the complainant and the practitioner are given a fair opportunity to be heard.
- Decisions are based on evidence and the applicable law.
- The process is conducted in accordance with the Medical Ordinance and the Medical Disciplinary (Procedure) Regulations, 1990.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the complaint process at the Sri Lanka Medical Council.
Recent Orders (Final or Interlocutory)
Disciplinary orders issued by the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) of the Sri Lanka Medical Council.
Dr. Virittamulla Nimal Nagitha Gamage
Suspended from the rights, privileges, and immunities conferred upon him by registration for a period of five (05) years with effect from 18.10.2025.
Dr. RANCHAGODA GAMAGE SAMEERA LAKMAL
Suspend from practising.
Dr. Gamage Rangana Sandakelum
Imposed a suspension from 09th September 2023 for a period of six (06) months.
Garumuni Tissa De Zoysa Rajakaruna
Imposed a suspension from 28th April 2023 for a period of five (05) years.
Kariyawasam Siththarage Janaka Chaminda
Imposed a suspension from 28th April 2023 for a period of one (01) year.
Mohomed Nisar Ruhul Haq
Imposed a suspension from 20th December 2022 for a period of eight (08) months.
Priyantha Ajith Kodagoda
Suspended from 01st January 2023 for a period of three (03) months.
Dr. ARAMBEGEDARA THUSITHA SUDARSHANA
DECISION — PPC 290 / PCC 22
Dr. WORANJAN SATHYAJITH JAYASUNDARA
Disciplinary Order — see document for full details.