The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) stated they have not demanded a salary increase, but are calling on the Government to hold discussions and set a clear timeline to address their concerns.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (8), GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr. Hansamal Weerasuriya said the President and the Government had misrepresented the Association’s position. “Several of our requests are non-monetary,” he noted.

He added that many doctors are currently receiving only about one-third of certain approved allowances, including payments for work on public holidays and Extra Duty Allowance. He urged the Government to provide a definitive timeframe for addressing these issues instead of mischaracterising their demands.

Dr. Weerasuriya also said that any escalation of ongoing trade union (TU) action would be decided after discussions this week. 

As part of ongoing TU measures, GMOA members have temporarily halted issuing prescriptions for pharmaceuticals and laboratory tests unavailable in hospitals. They have also withdrawn from voluntary participation in health camps and clinics organised by political groups. Additionally, doctors have paused attachments to newly opened hospital wards and units lacking the approved number of medical officers. They have also refrained from examining patients in locations without adequate facilities or chaperones to ensure safety and privacy.

President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake said recently that no salary increases for State employees are planned until the 2027 salary cycle.