By Newswire Editorial
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has launched a protest in Colombo today (10), raising concerns over doctors’ salaries and allowances, alleged suppression of trade union rights and proposed legislation.
The protest is being held outside the National Hospital in Colombo, with doctors carrying placards and banners demanding solutions to several issues affecting the medical profession.
Protesters displayed banners opposing what they described as democratic repression, suppression of fundamental rights and victimisation of trade union activists.
The GMOA also called for the protection of freedom of expression, assembly and association.
One of the main protest banners called for the repeal of the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) and Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill (POCB), while other placards highlighted concerns over doctors’ allowances, including the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance.
Earlier, GMOA Assistant Secretary Chamil Wijesinghe said thousands of doctors representing district and provincial branches of the association were expected to participate in the demonstration.
He said the association was seeking solutions to several longstanding issues, including reductions in doctors’ salaries and allowances and problems relating to official residences.
Wijesinghe urged the government to address these concerns through the upcoming 2027 Budget, scheduled to be presented to Parliament on November 12.
He stressed that the protest would not involve a strike and that arrangements had been made to ensure patient care services continued without disruption at hospitals across the country.
The GMOA Assistant Secretary also warned that the demonstration was only the first step, indicating that further action could follow if the government failed to address the association’s demands. (Newswire)