Dr V. Sutharshan, a well-known Consultant General Surgeon attached to Surgical Unit of Jaffna Teaching Hospital (JTH) passed away yesterday following a brief illness in Colombo.
Known for his precise surgical operations he had carried out at the Unit in JTH, he served thousands of patients both those in the Northern region and others from across the island who reached out to him to obtain treatment.
He was admitted to Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital in Colombo following a sudden illness while attending a workshop. According to hospital sources, he had a cardiac arrest earlier yesterday.
Condolences pour in reflecting his legacy from his colleagues and patients in social media platforms for his kindness and brilliance saying Northern region lost one of its brilliant surgical minds.
The following is shared by Arooran Krishnakumar, a colleague of late surgeon reflecting his legacy and recalling his training period under him. (Source)
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| Surgical team led by late Dr. V. Sutharsan performing a surgery. Pix/ Arooran Krishnakumar/FB |
A Tribute to My Teacher, Mentor, and Inspiring Leader, Dr. V. Sutharshan
Today is a truly heartbreaking day for us. The first news I received was the sudden and devastating passing of my beloved boss, mentor, and guide, Dr. V. Sutharshan, the youngest consultant surgeon to grace Jaffna. I had the privilege of forging a deep connection with him from the moment he arrived at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, where I was appointed to work under his surgical unit. Those days were some of the most memorable and transformative of my medical student life.
As the monitor of our group, I vividly recall the moments when Dr. Sutharshan’s piercing question, “Whose patient is this?” would send a wave of nervous excitement through us, our bladders metaphorically on edge. Yet, those were also the most enriching days, igniting my passion for surgery. His presence was magnetic, and it was rare for anyone to escape his influence without yearning for another opportunity to learn from him.
Though I never had the chance to serve as his registrar, by God’s grace, I was fortunate to work as his senior registrar in surgery for one and a half years. Those initial days brought back the same awe and apprehension I felt as a medical student. However, as I transitioned into a trainee, I had the privilege of witnessing countless surgeries under his skilled hands. Every procedure he performed was a masterclass in itself—each movement of his hands was precise, deliberate, and meticulous. Watching him perform laparoscopic surgeries was like observing a masterful dance; you could stare at the monitor for hours without ever losing interest. His technical prowess, confidence, and decision-making were nothing short of extraordinary, leaving us in awe.
Dr. Sutharshan made even the most complex cases seem effortless. Procedures we thought impossible with a camera were, for him, a walk in the park. All he needed was a tiny space to insert the camera, and the rest was history. Assisting him in surgeries was always a privilege, never a burden. If he called out “Arooran,” I knew I was momentarily out of focus. If he said, “என்ன செய்யிà®±ீà®™்க எண்டு விà®´à®™்கல?” (What are you doing, don’t you understand?), I knew I had irritated him—but that was the extent of his scolding. He was never dependent on assistants or fancy instruments; he was a true master, capable of working with whatever was available.
Dr. Sutharshan was an unparalleled giant in both open and laparoscopic surgeries, a rare breed whose expertise knew no bounds. His loss is an irreplaceable void for the Jaffna Medical Faculty, its students, surgical trainees, and the entire Northern community. I have seen patients travel from all corners of Sri Lanka, enduring long journeys just to consult him.
To surgical trainees, he was a towering figure, akin to Sri Lanka’s own Dr. Palanivelu—a mentor admired by all, whose guidance we hoped to experience for at least six months more.
It’s far too early for you to leave us, Sir. Your legacy will live on in the countless lives you touched and the surgeons you inspired. May you rest in peace.
(Northeastern Monitor/ August 16/ 2025)
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