News
Docs petitions challenging decision to enforce retirement at 60: Verdict on Nov 17
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The Court of Appeal is to announce, on 17 November, its verdict on the early retirement of medical specialists. Specialist doctors said on Monday (13) that 176 of them have submitted Writ Petitions opposing the Cabinet’s decision to enforce the retirement of medical specialists at the age of 60. It was pointed out that the Health Ministry had previously extended the service age of medical specialists in the State to 63 years.
However, a circular from the Health Secretary stated that the decision on the retirement age of medical specialists would only be effective until December 31, 2024.
According to insiders, there is a justifiable expectation among medical specialists for an extension of their service due to factors such as the ongoing brain drain causing a decline in medical practitioners.
The shortage of medical specialists is a significant concern for ensuring equal service provision across all State hospitals. Various issues, including the economic crisis, taxation, delays in placement upon their return, challenges with children’s schooling, and the less-than-ideal treatment of medical specialists upon their return from abroad, have led many to opt for overseas service.
Doctors claim that there are currently 790 vacancies for specialist doctors. There are only 1,985 specialists actively serving in government hospitals.
“Previously the shortage was about 450 doctors. Estimates show that about 3,000 medical specialists are needed by 2024 to ensure satisfactory service in state hospitals. If the proposed retirement age rule is implemented, 305 specialists, including 70 who will turn 63, will be compelled to retire, further reducing the number of medical specialists in service,” a doctor said.
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IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon informed to be present before the Committee of Inquiry on 19th May
IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon has been informed to be present before the ‘Committee of Inquiry to inquire and report its findings on IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power’ on the 19th of May 2025.
This Committee met in the Parliament premises on several occasions as of now, and accordingly, for the first time, IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon has been informed by the Committee, to appear before it, for future investigations.
News
UNESCO Director General candidate Dr. Khaled El Enany meets Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka
Dr. Khaled El Enany – the UNESCO Director General Candidate of the Arab Republic of Egypt met with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka Dr. Risvie Salih at the Parliament premises recently (May 05).
During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed the long-standing and cordial bilateral relationship between Egypt and Sri Lanka, emphasizing their shared commitment to further strengthening ties in areas of mutual interest. Dr. El Enany outlined his vision as a candidate for UNESCO leadership, highlighting his dedication to fostering cultural collaboration and understanding among nations. Dr. Risvie Salih also highlighted Sri Lanka’s non-aligned foreign policy and long-standing relationship with Egypt.
The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, and Chaminda Kularatne, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Samantha Ranasinghe was sworn in today (May 08) before the Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, as a Member of the Tenth Parliament.
Following the oath and affirmation before the Speaker, he signed the Members’ Roll placed before the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.
Member of Parliament Samantha Ranasinghe has been thus appointed to fill the vacancy created due to the demise of Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera, who served as a Member of Parliament from the Kegalle District representing the National People’s Power.
IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon informed to be present before the Committee of Inquiry on 19th May
UNESCO Director General candidate Dr. Khaled El Enany meets Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka
Samantha Ranasinghe sworn in as a Member of Parliament
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