News
GMOA says DAT allowance not enough
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The government’s decision to increase the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance of doctors might incentivise a young doctor to stay in the country, but it will not be adequate to keep medical consultants here, Secretary of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA), Dr. Haritha Aluthge says.
“They can go abroad and make three million rupees. The increase in DAT wouldn’t be an adequate incentive,” he said.
However, this decision was a welcome step in ensuring economic justice and can be seen as a first step in retaining doctors in the country.He said that for the last 18 months, the GMOA had been asking the government for a salary hike.
The government has also taken several steps to help doctors in the 2024 budget, including a decision to expand the opportunities given to doctors for postgraduate studies.
Dr. Aluthge said that the DAT allowance for doctors had been Rs. 35,000.
“The Cabinet decided to increase DAT to 70,000,” he said.
Dr. Aluthge said that some health sector unions had launched a strike following the increase in DAT allowance for doctors.
“These unions have asked for a salary increase of Rs 20,000 for the state sector. There were no other demands. The government has agreed to give a salary hike of Rs 10,000. We have got only 35,000. Now these unions also want a 35,000 rupee hike,” he said.
Dr. Aluthge said that there were many grades and categories in the state sector.
“When salaries of Supreme Court judges are increased, the office assistants do not demand a similar salary hike,” he said.
The GMOA secretary said that out of the 35,000 DAT allowance, the government would take about Rs 7,000 as tax.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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