News
GMOA urges govt. to make serious effort to prevent docs from leaving country
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Most Sri Lankan doctors were struggling to make ends meet and the government must demonstrate that it was keen to retain the doctors in the country, Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) media spokesman, Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said.
“Doctors also do not have medicine to treat patients. They are without official residences at peripheral hospitals. This is why we said that in order to retain doctors, the government must create an environment that they feel comfortable in. We have only demanded economic justice.”
Dr. Wijesinghe said that they were not seeking a significant salary hike immediately.
There are 23,000 doctors in the state service, and they were facing many issues due to low salaries, he said.
“Let’s look at an intern. This is the entry point into the medical service. An intern is usually about 28 years old. These doctors have to work every day for one year. They get paid 54,000 rupees a month. The starting salary of a medical specialist is 88,000 rupees. They also start out in the most difficult areas,” he said.
Dr. Wijesinghe said that out of the 23,000 doctors, only 30 percent engaged in private practice.
“Even some medical specialists don’t engage in private practice. Moreover, even among doctors that engage in private practice, the overwhelming majority make very little money,” he said.
Over 5,000 doctors have completed either the Australian Medical Council Examinations, Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board test (needed to work in the UK) and Prometric Exams (necessary to work in the Middle East), he said.
“They have not left yet. If they leave, we will be in big trouble. Six out of eight doctors at the Sri Jayewardenepura Cardiology Unit have passed the Australian Medical Council Examination. They can leave anytime, and what will happen to the cardiology unit of one of Sri Lanka’s key hospitals,” he asked.
Dr. Wijesinghe said that over 6,000 transfers have not taken place in the last three years. The GMOA had a discussion with the Health Minister recently, and several steps were taken to address the most pressing issues, he said.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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