The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) extended its islandwide token strike by another 24 hours on Saturday, pushing the action into Day 9 with no resolution in sight. The strike will now continue until 8:00 AM on Monday, April 6.
The GMOA’s Executive Committee made the decision following an emergency meeting on April 5. The union said it remains open to dialogue and has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to intervene personally.
Compliance or Coercion?
At the centre of the latest dispute is the Health Ministry’s claim that 435 of 453 newly qualified doctors — 96 percent — applied for post-intern appointments before the April 4 deadline. The ministry framed the figure as evidence that the system is working.
The GMOA rejected that interpretation, alleging the high application rate was the result of systematic intimidation. Doctors were allegedly threatened with removal from state service, suspension of salaries, and eviction from official quarters if they did not comply, the union said.
Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has not responded publicly to the coercion allegations.
Hospital Services
Emergency care continues to operate across the country. However, regular outpatient services remain disrupted at government hospitals, with the exception of specialised facilities such as children’s and mental health institutions.
The strike entered its eighth day on Friday with similar intimidation claims. The dispute, which centres on the post-intern appointment process and broader grievances about working conditions, has now lasted well beyond the initial token strike phase.
If the GMOA Executive Committee decides to suspend action after the Monday extension, a resolution article will follow.
