GMOA wants Ranil back in parliament but he says “No”

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) representatives have called on former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, stating that it would be beneficial if an experienced leader like him were to return to Parliament. However, the former President responded by stating, “No… I am now enjoying a peaceful retirement. But I am ready to provide any support you may need.”

The exchange took place during a discussion on Thursday between Wickremesinghe and GMOA representatives, who sought his intervention on several pressing issues faced by government doctors, party sources said.

The meeting was attended by GMOA President Dr. Sanjeewa Tennakoon, Secretary Prabath Sugathadasa, Treasurer Bandara Warakagoda, members of the executive committee, and S. Samarathunga, a senior advisor to the former President.

During the discussion, the GMOA raised key concerns, including the preservation of the 1/80 allowance for extra-duty payments, which has traditionally been maintained alongside basic salary revisions. They also requested the continuation of the 1/20 payment rate for work on holidays and Sundays and urged the government to implement the proposed increase in basic salaries for public sector employees as outlined in the 2025 budget. Furthermore, the GMOA sought consideration of proposals aimed at improving the medical profession and healthcare services.

In response, Wickremesinghe directed officials to provide the GMOA with a report detailing decisions made during negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) between 2022 and 2024, ensuring that such decisions had not adversely affected public sector employees. Samarathunga assured that the relevant information would be provided within two days.