Health workers are calling the authorities to properly investigate the suspected murder and take measures to prevent similar incidents

After recording statements from a relative and a colleague of the deceased, Kayts magistrate K Vasanthasenan ordered police to arrest RCN Priyantha Seneviratne, the doctor in charge of Velanai hospital.

In the first industrial action since the Sri Lankan government announced its victory over Tamil Tigers, hundreds of health workers launched a protest in Jaffna against the suspected murder of Darshika Saravanan, 27, a midwife at Velanai hospital.

'Committed suicide'

The workers have been demanding a thorough investigation into the death and the arrest of the doctor suspected to be involved, Devika Kodituwakku, Assistant General Secretary of Government Midwives' Association (GMA) told BBC Sandeshaya.

midwives are suspicious whether she committed suicide or was strangled to death   Devika Kodituwakku, GMA

Workers demanded authorities provide security to every female health worker in Jaffna.

Authorities were also urged to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Ms. Saravanan was found dead in her room in the official quarters on Sunday. She was initially thought to have committed suicide.

"But midwives are suspicious whether she committed suicide or was strangled to death," Devika Kodituwakku said.

Sinnaiah Jeagadeeswari, leading the GMA in Jaffna, added that the suspect doctor, with whom Ms. Saravanan has reportedly had an argument a night before, has gone missing since then.