The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced a 48-hour token strike across state hospitals islandwide, scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. tomorrow, citing the Health Ministry’s failure to implement previously agreed solutions. Emergency services will continue during the strike.
The association said trade union action had earlier been temporarily suspended based on written assurances given following discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Health Minister.
According to the GMOA, these assurances included Cabinet approval to establish a special service category titled the “Sri Lanka Medical Service,” with the participation and consensus of all stakeholders. Other agreed measures included updating the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance, resolving transport-related issues in line with Circular 22/99, converting the additional duty allowance into a permanent allowance, and addressing issues related to the research allowance through discussions with the Ministry of Finance starting January 5.
However, the GMOA said the failure to initiate discussions and implement these agreements has compelled the association to proceed with strong trade union action. (Newswire)