The Political Council of Tamil-Speaking Peoples has called on the government to urgently review the existing uniform regulations for Health Assistants, taking into consideration cultural and religious sensitivities while maintaining professional standards and patient safety.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Health today (17), Opposition MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Convenor of the Political Council of Tamil-Speaking Peoples, urged the government to take necessary steps to address concerns surrounding the regulations.

The letter follows recommendations made by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) regarding the issue.

The Council emphasised that uniform regulations should accommodate legitimate cultural, religious and modesty-related preferences while upholding clinical hygiene and professional standards.

It also called on the government to review and amend the relevant circular and establish a clear, practical and inclusive national policy applicable to all public healthcare institutions.

Referring to the Health Minister’s invitation in Parliament to submit proposals, the Council sought clarification on whether the proposed committee had been formally appointed, the progress made so far and the timeframe for issuing a revised national circular.

The Council further stressed that while Opposition political parties are prepared to contribute proposals and support a fair solution, the responsibility for implementing the necessary policy changes rests with the government.

It also urged the Ministry to provide a prompt response and a clear timeline to prevent unnecessary communal tensions over the issue.

The letter was issued on behalf of six political parties, including the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC), Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC), Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA), Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK), Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA). (Newswire)

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