The Government is taking steps to remove all obstacles preventing specialist doctors who left Sri Lanka from returning to serve in the local health sector, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament yesterday (7).
Responding to a question from NPP MP Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, the Minister revealed that Sri Lanka currently has 72 specialist medical services with an approved cadre of 3,181 positions. Of these, 2,042 are filled, while 1,139 vacancies remain. He noted that many doctors who had migrated for overseas employment have already returned, with the Government planning to fill existing vacancies using these returning specialists.
Dr. Jayatissa made an open invitation to all Sri Lankan specialist doctors abroad, stressing their moral duty to contribute to rebuilding the country’s health service, given the significant public investment in their education and training. He assured that the Government will facilitate their return by addressing administrative hurdles, providing schooling for their children near assigned hospitals, and ensuring transport and other necessary facilities.
The Minister highlighted that during the previous administration, a surge in medical migration saw only 40% of those who left returning by September 2024. This figure has now risen to 65–70%. He expressed hope that the remainder will also return, noting past cases where specialists appointed to remote hospitals opted to go abroad again rather than take up their posts.
