News Today: Sri Lankan military officer arrested for rape, triggering outrage.

A former Sri Lankan military officer has been arrested for raping a female doctor at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, sparking national outrage.

The horrific attack occurred on March 10, sending shockwaves across the country. Doctors, human rights activists, and opposition leaders have condemned the crime, demanding immediate justice. The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has threatened a nationwide strike if swift legal action is not taken.

Shocking Details of the Incident

According to Ada Derana, the suspect is a 34-year-old from Galnewa who had previously deserted the military and lived as a Buddhist monk.

The doctor was on duty that night when she was attacked while walking to the on-call room. Reports state that the suspect threatened her at knifepoint, restrained her, and brutally raped her inside the hospital premises.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa raised the issue in Parliament, emphasizing that even female professionals are unsafe in their workplaces. He called for stricter laws and government accountability in protecting women’s safety.

In response, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that five police teams were deployed to capture the suspect. He was later arrested in Galnewa, and authorities have assured the public that legal proceedings will follow.

Doctors Demand Justice

Following the attack, medical professionals at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital launched an immediate strike. The GMOA has called for stronger security measures, stressing that female healthcare workers are constantly at risk.

Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, GMOA’s spokesman, stated, “We stand in solidarity with the victim to highlight the seriousness of the situation. Not just doctors but all female health workers are at risk.”

Sri Lanka’s Troubling History of Sexual Violence

While this attack has shocked the nation due to its location inside a hospital, sexual violence in Sri Lanka is a long-standing issue.

The Sri Lankan military and police have been accused of widespread sexual crimes, particularly against Tamil women. During and after the country’s civil war, thousands of Tamil women and girls faced systematic rape, torture, and abuse by security forces.

The United Nations and human rights organizations have repeatedly reported cases of sexual violence in military camps, detention centers, and so-called “rehabilitation” camps. Even after the 2009 genocide, Tamil women continue to face harassment, with perpetrators enjoying complete impunity.

Despite international pressure, no Sri Lankan soldier has ever been held accountable for these crimes. Women’s rights activists warn that this lack of justice has emboldened sexual offenders.

Nation Demands Action

This case has reignited concerns over women’s safety in Sri Lanka. Activists are urging authorities to enforce stricter legal consequences for sexual offenders and improve workplace security.

As protests continue, Sri Lankans are demanding justice for the victim and systemic changes to protect women from such horrific crimes.