COLOMBO : After attending the launch of “Ran Dhoni”, authored by veteran journalist and Newsfirst Channel Head Suranga Senanayake at the Colombo International Book Fair held recently at BMICH , I was deeply moved. The book, dedicated to Zainab, the daughter of Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen , tells the untold story of a family that endured immense suffering due to false and cruel allegations.
Dr. Shafi was unjustly accused of sterilising mothers by tampering with their fallopian tubes — an allegation that shook the nation and shattered his family’s peace. What followed was a nightmare: humiliation, suspicion, and emotional torment that no innocent person should ever endure. His wife and daughters, especially young Zainab, faced silent battles every day, yet their strength and dignity stood taller than the storm around them.
Those – Pregnant moms, Monks , Medical professionals – who levelled baseless accusations — and those who profited or sought attention through them — owe this family not only an apology but also reflection and remorse. The mothers who accepted compensation under false claims should now show conscience by donating that money to Zainab, the true “Ran Dhoni,” who symbolizes courage, innocence, and resilience in the face of injustice.
The time has come for truth to heal the wounds that lies have left behind.
– Mohamed Zahran, Colombo
