The Sri Lanka Army has been deployed to assist with challenges posed by the ongoing islandwide strike of healthcare staff trade unions.
Issuing a statement, the Sri Lanka Army said the troops have been deployed in response to a request from the Ministry of Defence and under the guidance of Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage.
Troops have been deployed at various government hospitals across the country to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential health services today (Jan 16).
The affected hospitals include health institutions such as Colombo National Hospital, Kandy General Hospital, Kalubowila Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, Matale District Hospital, Kurunegala Teaching Hospital and the Government Hospitals in Monarahala, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Hambanthota, Balangoda, Thissamahara, Debarawewa, Balangoda, Eheliyagoda, Diyathalawa, Matara, Avissawella and several others. The deployment is aimed at maintaining the smooth operation of healthcare facilities during this critical time.
Under the supervision of the respective Security Forces Commanders, Army personnel are actively stationed at these hospitals to lend support and ensure that healthcare services continue without disruptions. Troops also remain on standby for additional troop deployment in case of emergencies.
The healthcare workers from 72 trade unions, excluding doctors, launched a 24-hour strike at 06.30 am today.
The strike has been launched demanding that the Rs. 35,000 Disturbance, Availability & Transport (DAT) allowance provided only for doctors be granted to them as well.
