Court of Appeal to hear petition of SAITM students on 12 October

 By S.S.Selvanayagam

The Court of Appeal yesterday fixed for hearing on 12 and 14 October, the Writ petition filed by an MBBS graduate student of the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) seeking an order from the Court to compel the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) to register him as a medical practitioner.

The Court fixed for hearing on 2 August on the objection raised by Sri Lanka Medical Council and the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) for granting Interim Reliefs prayed for by the Petitioner.

The Bench comprised Justices Vijith K.Malalgoda (President/CA) and P.Padman Surasena.

The Petitioner cited SLMC, SAITM, Minister of Higher Education & Highways Lakshman Kiriella, Ministry Secretary, University Grant Commission, Minister of Health, Nutrition & Indigenous Medicine Dr Rajitha Senaratne as Respondents. The GMOA and two others filed Intervenient Petitions.

Romesh de Silva PC with Sugath Caldera appeared for the Petitioner. Ikram Mohamed PC appeared for the SLMC. Chanthani Liyanapatabendi with Ravendranath Dabare appeared for the GMOA. Faisz Musthapha PC instructed by Gowry Shangary Thavarasha appeared for SAITM.

The Petitioner is seeking the Court to quash the decision of the SLMC to refuse provisionally registration to him. He is also asking for Interim Reliefs directing the SLMC to register him provisionally as a medical practitioner pending the hearing and determination of his application.