Doctor’s Rs. 1 million gold necklace stolen at Lady Ridgeway Hospital – Borella Police investigate shocking theft.
A shocking theft at Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, Borella, has left both the medical community and the public deeply concerned about safety inside one of Sri Lanka’s busiest hospitals. A gold necklace and pendant worth Rs. 1 million went missing from the hospital’s medical lounge, sparking a police investigation that has drawn national attention.
Background of the Incident
The victim of the theft is a 30-year-old doctor from Rajagiriya, currently serving in Ward 9A of Lady Ridgeway Hospital. After completing his duty shift, the doctor went to the medical lounge on the ground floor to rest. With the intention of keeping his necklace safe, he carefully placed it inside the front pocket of his suitcase and zipped it shut.
However, when he woke up the following morning and attempted to wear the necklace again, it was nowhere to be found. The disappearance immediately raised suspicion, and a complaint was filed at the Borella Police Station.
How the Theft Happened
The theft unfolded in a matter of hours. After placing the necklace in his bag, the doctor left for the bathroom and then returned to continue his duties by examining patients. Later, he returned to the lounge and went to sleep. By morning, the Rs. 1 million ornament weighing four pounds had vanished.
This sequence of events suggests that the theft occurred while the doctor was away from his suitcase or asleep.
The Medical Lounge at Lady Ridgeway Hospital
The medical lounge is an exclusive space reserved for doctors to rest during or after long shifts. While convenient, it does not appear to have had adequate security measures, making it vulnerable to theft.
Doctors, nurses, attendants, and sometimes maintenance staff have access to these lounges, which complicates identifying a suspect.
Police Investigations Begin
The Borella Police immediately began investigating after receiving the complaint. Officers are examining CCTV footage from hospital corridors, questioning hospital staff, and trying to piece together who might have entered the lounge during the time of the theft.
While no arrests have been made yet, investigators believe the suspect could be someone familiar with hospital routines.
Reactions from the Medical Community
Hospital staff expressed shock and disappointment, pointing out that if a doctor can lose valuables inside the hospital, the safety of patients and visitors could also be at risk. Many called for improved security in staff areas, including better surveillance and restricted access.
The incident has also affected morale among doctors, who already work under intense pressure.
Public Concerns Over Hospital Security
For the public, this theft raises an alarming question: If valuables are not safe inside a hospital, how safe are patients themselves?
Lady Ridgeway Hospital, being the largest children’s hospital in South Asia, sees thousands of visitors daily. Parents visiting with their children now fear that if staff are vulnerable, ordinary patients may be at even greater risk.
Similar Past Incidents in Sri Lanka
This is not the first theft reported inside a Sri Lankan hospital. In the past, there have been cases of stolen wallets, mobile phones, and even patients’ belongings. However, a theft of jewelry worth Rs. 1 million belonging to a doctor is among the most high-profile incidents in recent years.
The Value of the Missing Necklace
Gold is not only a financial investment in Sri Lanka but also holds deep cultural and emotional significance. The doctor’s necklace, valued at Rs. 1 million, represents both material wealth and sentimental value. Losing such an ornament is a painful personal loss, adding emotional weight to the financial blow.
Statements from Police and Authorities
According to Borella Police, investigations are ongoing, with officers working to trace the movements of individuals inside the hospital at the time. Authorities have also requested the hospital’s cooperation in providing surveillance footage and access logs.
The hospital administration has pledged to support the inquiry, but so far, no breakthrough has been reported.
Lessons to Learn from the Incident
This case highlights the urgent need for stronger security within hospitals. Staff members often bring valuables, and without lockers, secure rooms, or surveillance, incidents like this are bound to repeat.
Hospitals must now rethink how to balance patient care with staff safety.
The Role of Technology in Preventing Theft
To prevent future thefts, hospitals can consider:
-
Installing CCTV cameras in staff-only areas
-
Implementing ID card access to restrict movement
-
Providing lockers for staff to store valuables securely
These steps, though simple, can drastically reduce such crimes.
Broader Discussion on Safety in Public Institutions
This theft also sparks a bigger debate: How secure are Sri Lanka’s public institutions? From hospitals to universities, many lack proper surveillance and monitoring systems. If left unaddressed, they remain soft targets for petty theft and even more serious crimes.
The Doctor’s Emotional Ordeal
Beyond the financial loss, the doctor endured stress, frustration, and disappointment. After a long shift of caring for sick children, he was met with the cruel reality that his trust in a workplace lounge was misplaced.
His complaint to police reflects not just a quest for justice, but also a cry for safer working conditions.
Moving Forward
The case remains under investigation. If the necklace is not recovered, it may push hospitals to reform their security policies. Doctors and staff are also expected to be more cautious in safeguarding personal belongings.
For Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, this theft has become a wake-up call to tighten security and protect both staff and patients.
Conclusion
The theft of a doctor’s Rs. 1 million gold necklace from Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital is more than just a personal loss—it highlights major flaws in hospital security. As police continue their investigation, the incident serves as a reminder that safety must never be taken for granted, even in places of healing and trust.
FAQs
1. What happened at Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital?
A doctor reported that his Rs. 1 million gold necklace was stolen from the hospital’s medical lounge in Borella.
2. How much was the stolen necklace worth?
The necklace and pendant were valued at approximately Rs. 1 million.
3. What steps have the police taken so far?
The Borella Police are reviewing CCTV footage, questioning staff, and investigating possible suspects.
4. How has the medical community responded?
Doctors and hospital staff expressed concern about safety, calling for better surveillance and security.
5. What lessons can be learned from this incident?
The theft highlights the need for improved hospital security systems and safer staff facilities.