• 280 more seek overseas opportunities in 2026
• Health Ministry cites specialist training as major factor

A total of 3,791 doctors left Sri Lanka for overseas opportunities between 2020 and 2025, while 280 doctors have applied to go abroad so far this year (2026), in accordance with the Establishments Code and relevant circulars, Deputy Health Minister Dr Hansaka Wijemuni said.

Providing a breakdown of doctors who obtained no-pay leave to work overseas, he said 1,429 Grade Medical Officers (MOs) were granted foreign leave between 2020 and 19 June, while 140 specialist doctors received similar approval between 2022 and 15 June.

However, he stressed that a significant number of doctors who went overseas were those pursuing foreign specialist training programmes, which are facilitated by the Health Ministry.

“The majority of specialist doctors who go abroad do so for specialist training, and these programmes are arranged through the Ministry,” he said.

Dr Wijemuni said the Government was taking measures to address doctor migration by improving working conditions and career opportunities within the public health sector.

“We are creating a more suitable working environment for doctors by preparing the necessary guidelines and protocols for them to carry out their duties. At the same time, we are improving allowances and other facilities, particularly transport and accommodation,” he said.

He added that steps were also being taken to provide better professional development opportunities for both Grade MOs and specialists, with the aim of improving job satisfaction and retention.

On salaries, Dr Wijemuni said the starting basic salary of a Grade MO was increased to Rs. 84,574 from 1 January and would rise to Rs. 94,150 from 1 January 2027, excluding allowances.

The starting basic salary of a medical specialist was increased to Rs. 136,575 from 1 January and is scheduled to rise to Rs. 156,000 from 1 January 2027, also excluding allowances.