News
Dispute over transfer boards: Keheliya’s word final – Prime Minister
Contradictory statements over Temple Trees talks
By Shamindra Ferdinando
A simmering battle between the health ministry and the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) over the recent controversial change of the system that had been in place with regard to post-intern appointments has taken a new turn with Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa declaring that the final decision on such matters should be taken by Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.
PM Rajapaksa said so at the end of a meeting at Temple Trees on Tuesday morning (04) attended by Minister Rambukwella and GMOA President Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya.
PM Rajapaksa’s Office yesterday (05) morning quoted him as having told the meeting that the final decision was the prerogative of the Health Minister. According to the statement issued under the hand of PM’s Media Secretary Rohan Weliwita, Minister Rambukwella has told Premier Rajapaksa that the newly introduced system couldn’t be changed. Having ruled out further talks meant to restore the discarded system, Minister Rambukwella has said that he was prepared to discuss issues at hand pertaining to the newly introduced system. The Minister was reacting to the GMOA requesting the restoration of the discarded system.
Minister Rambukwella challenged the GMOA over the latter’s accusations regarding him interfering in administrative decisions.
Yesterday’s press release further quoted Premier Rajapaksa as having said that some issues couldn’t be resolved through discussions.
Top GMOA spokesperson Dr. Samantha Ananda yesterday told The Island that the Premier’s Office called the meeting on a request made by them. The meeting that commenced at 10 am ended close to noon with the health ministry and the GMOA unable to reach consensus on the issue at hand.
Yesterday’s press release issued by the PM’s Office following strong interventions by the health ministry was the third that dealt with the Temple Trees meeting.
On Tuesday, the PM’s Office released two statements also under the hand of Rohan Weliwita.
Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa has asserted that the change of the system that had been in place with regard to post-intern appointments will cause disputes.
The Premier has advised all stakeholders to reach a consensus whether to retain the same system inclusive of medical transfer boards.
Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday night (4) quoted him as having instructed Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena to settle differences through consultations.
In the first statement, Premier Rajapaksa was quoted as having reproached health ministry officials over the unilateral change of the system. Premier Rajapaksa has told health ministry officials not to pursue political agenda at the expense of the government but to deal with trade unions in terms of the establishment of code.
Among those who had been present at the meeting were health minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Health Secretary Maj. Gen. Dr. S.H. Munasinghe, Secretary to the National Salaries Commission Chandrani Senaratne, DGHS Dr. Asela Gunawardena and President of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya.
Dr. Padeniya has requested the ministry to treat Administrative Medical Officers (Medical Administrative Grade) equally without them being divided into two sections namely Senior Medical Administrative Grade and Junior Medical Administrative Grade. Asked for clarification, Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe also of the GMOA said that the GMOA believed the two sections should be combined.
The GMOA has sought the intervention of Premier Rajapaksa after having accused the health ministry of failing to address the grievances of doctors. In a statement issued on Dec 28, 2021, the GMOA explained the difficulties experienced by three categories of doctors in service, namely (1) Grade Medical Officers (2) Specialist Medical Officers and (3) Administrative Medical Officers.
The GMOA resorted to trade union action from Dec 21 to 24 demanding that the government address seven major issues.
The GMOA, in a statement that dealt with the Temple Trees meeting said that the outfit was compelled to strike due to unilateral actions of Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. G. Wijesuriya. According to the GMOA statement issued by its Secretary Dr. Senal Fernando, Premier Rajapaksa has directed DGHS Dr. Gunawardena to restore the abolished system in which transfer boards played a significant role.
The GMOA said that Premier Rajapaksa also directed the DGHS to establish an independent committee that would be tasked to inquire into the irregularities caused by the changes made to the Medical Administrative Grade at the behest of the then health Minister Rajitha Senaratne and his wife, Dr. Sujatha Senaratne. The GMOA used the opportunity to explain how Dr. Seneratne’s unilateral interventions caused problems for the Medical Administrative Grade and resulted in overall deterioration of the services and working conditions.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
