January 16, Colombo (LNW):Amid an island-wide strike initiated by health sector employees, the Ministry of Defence has deployed tri-forces personnel to support hospital operations. The 24-hour token strike, launched by approximately 72 trade unions in the healthcare service (excluding doctors), began at 6.30 a.m. The unions have opted to carry out only essential duties during this period.
The primary demand of the striking trade unions is the extension of the Rs. 35,000 allowance increase provided to doctors to other health sector employees. In response to the strike, Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana has invited the striking trade unions for discussions on the matter.
Acting Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe has announced plans to meet with Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana later in the evening to address the concerns raised by the health sector and work towards finding suitable solutions.
