TRIBUTES have been paid to an accomplished Sri Lankan doctor who was killed at Oxford Street in central London following a collision with a bus on April 9.
Dr Chesmal Siriwardhana, 38, was an associate professor in the department of population health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
He was working on global mental health, having joined the school in 2016.
In a statement, Peter Piot, director of the school, said: “Chesmal was a deeply valued friend, colleague and mentor.
“Both his teaching and research were of the highest quality.
“His work on armed conflict, migration and mental health put him at the forefront of some of the major public health challenges of the day.”
The school noted the impact of Siriwardhana's research on understanding of mental health needs for conflict-affected persons, particularly in Sri Lanka.
Siriwardhana was pronounced dead at the scene after police were called at 2 am on Sunday, April 9, following a collision between a bus and a pedestrian in Oxford Street at the junction with Harewood Place.
The bus driver stopped at the scene. They have not been arrested and are assisting police with their enquiries.
Detectives have appealed for witnesses and anyone who saw the accident can call 020 8543 5157 or via Twitter @MetCC.
