The Association of Health Professionals in Sri Lanka has confirmed it will go ahead with its planned 24-hour strike, starting at 7:00 AM tomorrow, March 18, 2025.

 The strike comes after failed negotiations between the association’s representatives and officials from the Ministry of Health. Speaking to the media, the association’s president, Ravi Kumudesh, stated that despite numerous attempts to resolve the issues at hand, the discussions with the ministry were unsuccessful.

Kumudesh emphasized that the strike is a response to ongoing concerns regarding the welfare of health professionals, insufficient resources in the healthcare sector, and the lack of concrete action from the government. He further clarified that the strike will affect various healthcare services, with the exception of emergency medical services.

The association has called on the Ministry of Health to address their demands urgently, warning that further actions could be taken if their concerns remain unresolved. The strike is expected to cause disruption across hospitals and clinics nationwide, potentially affecting patient care.

Health officials are urging the public to take necessary precautions, especially those with scheduled medical procedures or appointments.