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Ongoing TU action by PHIs: Decisive meeting with PM tomorrow 

27 Jul 2020

By Maheesha Mudugamuwa  The Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) are to take a decision on whether to continue with their trade union action launched two weeks ago, after a meeting scheduled to be held with Prime Minister (PM) Mahinda Rajapaksa tomorrow (28). Speaking to The Morning, PHIs’ Union (PHIU) President Upul Rohana said a meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow at 10 a.m. and after the meeting, a decision would be taken on whether to continue their trade union action further or end it. “We have cancelled all meetings tomorrow and are waiting to meet the PM. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has also asked to provide the necessary powers as demanded by us under (the) Quarantine (and Prevention of Diseases) Act,” he said, adding that the Attorney General (AG) has also noted that the powers could be directly granted to the PHIs rather than transferring such powers through the Medical Officers of Health (MOHs). “Since the President and the Attorney General have both agreed, the Health Ministry cannot say not to transfer such powers,” Rohana added. The PHIs had launched trade union action on 17 July based on a statement made by Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi. In addition, the PHIs who initially withdrew from only Covid-1- related duties, have now withdrawn from the duties relating to all communicable diseases, including dengue.


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