Lanka Hospitals Sued Over Banker’s Death

Lanka Hospitals PLC is facing legal action over the death of H.C. Perera, a 54-year-old Senior Banker at Habib Bank, Sri Lanka, consequent to a plaint filed by his widow and 7-year-old daughter in the Colombo District Court for medical negligence. 

Perera sought treatment at the hospital’s Emergency Treatment Unit in October, 2023 for chest and shoulder pain. The hospital administered a muscle relaxant and painkillers and discharged him soon after. Perera passed away three hours later at his residence from a heart attack. 

On the application of the Plaintiffs, the District Court of Colombo ordered the hospital not to destroy certain documents related to the case. Although the hospital sought to have these Orders vacated, they were unsuccessful.  Lanka Hospitals PLC has also contested the right of the deceased’s minor child to be represented in the case. The District Court has dismissed these requests and ordered the hospital to file answer to the allegations raised.

The Plaintiffs seek speedy resolution of this action especially given the minor child’s dependency and to mitigate further emotional distress for the family. 

Lanka Hospitals PLC, listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, is 51.34% state-owned, with its stake marked for divestment under the government's restructuring plan.

President’s Counsel Avindra Rodrigo along with Junior Counsel Akiel Deen and Kalpani Ratnayake instructed by Nithi Murugesu Associates appeared for the plaintiff. President’s Counsel Nihal Fernando instructed by Sarravanan Neelakandan Law Associates and Nirukshi Zoysa represented the defendants.