GMOA suspends planned trade union action

The Government Medical Officers’ Association GMOA) yesterday (12) suspended their trade union action, scheduled to commence today, following discussions with Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. Health Secretary Maj. Gen. Sanjeewa Munasinghe also participated at the discussion held at the ministry.

A senior GMOA spokesman told The Island that the Minister had agreed to resolve issues pertaining to post-internship appointments and transfers. The official said that they had also reached consensus on the suspension of the 2022 annual transfer list. Agreement was also reached on making appointments on 20 Oct., the implementation of former Health Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi’s Cabinet paper pertaining to filling of vacancies in the health administration sector as well as the appointment of an independent committee to tackle issues in administrative grades.

The GMOA official said that the Minister had also promised to secure parliamentary approval for a gazette pertaining to conduct of elections at the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC).

Having reached agreement on several contentious issues, the GMOA suspended the planned trade union action. However, the GMOA’s Executive Committee will meet on Monday (18) to ascertain the follow-up action. (SF)