News
GMOF accuses GMOA of acting illegally
The Government Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF) has, in a media statement, said that it is illegal for the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) to exert pressure on the Health Ministry over doctors’ transfers.
The statement signed by President of the GMOF, Dr. Rukshan Bellana, says there is an injunction order against the GMOA and its Working Committee and it is illegal for the officials of the GMOA to use their designations as the injunction is in force.
However, those officials still continue to use their designations to criticise the government and others and exert pressure on the Ministry of Health to manipulate the transfers of doctors, port intern training appointments and continue to hold Room No 07 of the first Floor of the Ministry of Health as a trade union office.
In addition, they have given instructions to make deductions from the salaries of the members of the GMOA.
The action by those who continue to hold the offices of GMOA is in violation of the injunction given against them by the Court and we demand the Secretary to the Ministry of Health to take legal action against them,” Dr Bellana has said in the statement.
Dr Bellana has said that the GMOA and GMOF are the two main trade union bodies representing the medical practitioners in the country and the main difference between the two organisations is that the latter in its constitution itself has forbidden any trade union action at the expense of patients.
He said that a GMOF delegation met with Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on Monday (13) to explain the undue influence by the GMOA and to register their opposition. Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Additional Secretary Dr. Sunil de Alwis, Director General of Health Services Dr Asela Gunawardana, Deputy Director Generals of Health Drs. Lal Panapitiya and G Wijesuriya and Director Tertiary Services Dr. Ianthi Karunaratne attended the meeting representing the Ministry of Health.
“We pointed out at the meeting that a fraud was being committed in the name of re-attachment of doctors so that the henchmen of GMOA could continue to serve in the same hospitals for over 20 years.”
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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