Lady Doctor shot dead by soldier

A 36-year-old lady doctor of the Bandhagiri government hospital in Hambantota was shot dead at her residence by a soldier attached to the Embilipitiya Army camp on Monday.

According to Tangalle SSP Neil Daluwatte, the soldier had shot Dr. Weliwitiyage Lakshmi at her residence despite an attempt by her father to shield her.

The doctor’s father told Police that he had grappled with the soldier but the killer had shoved a pistol between his left arm and the body and shot at his daughter who was behind him.

SSP Daluwatte said that an year ago, when the soldier had gone to the hospital for treatment, an argument had ensued between him and the lady doctor following which the doctor had filed action in court against the soldier alleging that he obstructed her from discharging her official duties.