Government Medical Officers’ Association Warns About Industrial Action

19-Jun-2025

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association has warned that unless the circular addressing amendments to overtime payments for doctors is released immediately, it will take industrial action.

If the circular is not published by 30 June, the association has stated it will proceed with a strike.

Samīl Wijesinghe, Assistant Secretary and Media Spokesperson for the association, participating in a press briefing in Colombo, reiterated that the government has long been lobbied for these overtime amendments, which are intended to compensate doctors for additional responsibilities. 

However, the circular has not yet been properly issued.

At the briefing, Wijesinghe emphasized: “The additional duties performed by government doctors must be officially recognized. If the circular is not released immediately, our union will be compelled to strike after 30 June. Should this impact patients, it will be a direct result of the government’s inaction.”