Sri Lankan doctor who specialised in treating the elderly has died after testing positive for Covid-19 in London.
Dr Anton Sebastianpillai, who was in his 70s, died on Saturday, four days after being admitted to Kingston Hospital, BBC reportedm
The consultant geriatrician, who qualified as a doctor in Sri Lanka in 1967, had a long association with the hospital in south-west London.
Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said he had last worked on 20 March.
“It is with great sadness that I confirm the death of a consultant geriatrician who was part of the team at Kingston Hospital,” a trust spokeswoman said.
“Dr Anton Sebastianpillai died on Saturday having been cared for in the hospital’s intensive care unit since 31 March.
“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family.”
Dr Sebastianpillai trained at the Peradeniya Medical School in Sri Lanka and qualified in 1967, according to the institution.
In an obituary notice, he was referred to as a “distinguished alumnus”.
“More than sad so very tragic – thoughts, prayers & appreciation to the family. He came out of retirement & paid the ultimate sacrifice. Proud of his SriLanka heritage. What an example” Dr Asanga Fernando, A Sri Lankan Doctor in London tweeted.
According to Dr Asanga Fernando, Dr Anton Sebastianpillai has authored a highly rated book on Sri Lankan History titled “A complete Illustrated History, Sri Lanka”.
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