Assault on Dr. Zurfick: conflicting claims

Dr. M.G.M. Zurfick, a leading public figure was admitted to National Hospital accident service on Friday (22) after an alleged assault by a group at a Kollupitiya reception hall.

Speaking to Sunday Observer from the National Hospital, Dr. Zurfick said he was assaulted by some outsiders during the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Society annual general meeting at Sasakawa Hall, Colombo 3.

He said his life membership in the Society was restored by the Colombo District Court two years back, but when he attended the AGM on Friday, one member questioned his presence leading to an argument and verbal barrage.

Subsequently Dr. Zurfick was asked to leave. At this point some five outsiders and two security personnel had dragged him out and assaulted him allegedly causing injuries to his neck and arm.

He had lodged a complaint with the Kollupitiya police on the incident.

The Police Spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekera said, the Kollupitiya police were conducting investigations and have summoned the two security guards to record statements.

ASP Gunasekera said there were conflicting claims, which the police were tying to verify at the moment. "There are claims that Dr. Zurfick attended the meeting without invitation and that action was taken to remove him as a result," he said.

He said, arrests will be made if there has been an assault as claimed and they will speak to the doctors at the accident service to check on the medical condition of Dr. Zulfick.

(MF)