… for investigating food theft from its kitchen

By Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon and Chaminda Silva

Director of the National Eye Hospital in Colombo, Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara, has lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Health, alleging that a group, including the hospital’s chef and kitchen supervisor, forcibly entered his office and threatened him over an ongoing investigation.

Dr Bandara told The Island that he had questioned a kitchen inspector and two employees regarding the theft of food that occurred on 10 February. He said he believed that was the reason behind the threats directed at him.

He said food items had been stolen from the hospital kitchen and he reported the theft to the Ministry of Health, requesting an investigation, but no action had been taken so far.

Dr Bandara stated that during a subsequent visit to the hospital kitchen, he found a large stock of fresh gotu kola discarded.

When he questioned the staff about it, they reacted aggressively and engaged in a heated argument with him. Meanwhile, CCTV footage of food being taken out of the kitchen of National Eye Hospital has begun circulating on social media.