Nearly 5,000 medical officers across Sri Lanka are yet to receive a concessionary vehicle license at any point in their careers, according to the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA).

Speaking to The Daily Morning, MCPA President Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said that the issuance of tax-free concessionary vehicle permits for doctors has been suspended since 2019, leaving thousands without access to a benefit previously available to the medical profession.

He noted that many of these doctors are increasingly disillusioned with the current recruitment system and are struggling with issues related to salaries and taxes. He warned that this frustration is driving a growing number of young doctors to seek opportunities abroad.

He emphasised the urgent need for policies to retain skilled medical professionals in Sri Lanka, cautioning that the failure to act could lead to a serious shortage of doctors in the coming years.

“There is already a visible trend of young doctors applying for foreign higher education programmes and migrating. At the very least, granting them a concessionary vehicle license in the upcoming (2026) Budget would be a meaningful form of relief,” he added.

Dr. Sanjeewa further said that Sri Lanka, as a sovereign nation, should now have the economic and political space to make independent decisions rather than being constrained by the policies of the International Monetary Fund. He also said that the MCPA hopes to meet with the President soon to discuss these concerns in detail.

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa was unavailable for comment.