The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said that it will convene a special Central Committee meeting on Wednesday (07 January) to decide on future trade union action, citing the government’s failure to implement written agreements aimed at resolving longstanding issues in the health sector.
In a statement, the GMOA said that commitments made by the Minister of Health—including the revision of the DAT allowance, the resolution of transport-related issues under Circular 22/99, the conversion of the additional duty allowance into a permanent benefit, and the establishment of a separate “Sri Lanka Medical Service”—have yet to be fulfilled.
The association further noted that discussions scheduled to begin with the Ministry of Finance from January 5 did not take place due to the Health Ministry’s failure to initiate the process, in violation of the agreed timeline.
Emphasising that safeguarding Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system is a national responsibility, the GMOA warned that continued neglect of doctors’ concerns, alongside systemic challenges such as human resource shortages and drug supply issues, could prompt renewed trade union action.
While reiterating that it has shown flexibility in negotiations, the GMOA said the government’s failure to honour its commitments has eroded trust and raised serious concerns about its commitment to protecting the country’s free health service.
