No More Discussions With GMOA if Strikes Continue

COLOMBO (News 1st); Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has strongly criticised an ongoing doctors’ strike, stating in Parliament that the action has no factual or administrative basis and is being driven by political motives.

Addressing the House, the Minister said that on Tuesday, March 31, a group of doctors had summoned others to Colombo and issued threats at the headquarters of the GMOA, warning them not to accept government appointments. He further claimed that those who proceeded to accept postings were threatened with consequences. According to the Minister, these warnings were later repeated publicly through the media.

Dr. Jayatissa stressed that the figures do not justify a strike. Out of 453 eligible doctors who completed their internship, 420 had already applied for appointments. Only one individual, he said, completed internship and entered the RHO period without submitting an application.

On that basis, the Minister said there was “absolutely no justification” for work stoppages.
The Health Minister explained that once doctors complete their internship and accept a government appointment, their salaries are processed at the new workplace from the day they report to duty. He added that those who fail to apply for release will have their service suspended and salaries stopped, noting that this is the standard administrative procedure followed by the ministry.

Dr. Jayatissa said that using this issue as a pretext for strike action, when doctors are free to enter government service, and thereby inconveniencing patients is entirely unjustifiable. 

He alleged that a separate political agenda was driving the protest, pointing out that a further 48‑hour strike was being called at a time when doctors are preparing to accept their appointments.

He noted that when salary increases or allowances are granted, the entire medical community accepts those decisions. 

However, the Minister emphasised that under the Establishments Code, trade unions have no authority over appointment or transfer boards.

The Health Minister urged the small group behind the strike to refrain from continuing action motivated by political objectives. 

He warned that if such conduct persists, he would not engage in further discussions. 

Dr. Jayatissa said that the issue of post‑internship appointments is now closed, adding that other concerns may be discussed separately, but that discussions would serve no purpose if the current behaviour continues. He affirmed that no further talks would be extended to the GMOA under such circumstances.