Soldiers in Sri Lanka's hospitals, as health workers strike

by Ephraim
Jan 23, 2024

In a sign of deepening militarisation in Sri Lanka, the government has deployed uniformed soldiers to hospitals across the island, as a strike by health unions intensifies.

A coalition of 72 health trade unions, including medical laboratory professionals, radiology professionals, pharmacists, and others, initiated a strike on January 16, demanding equal allowances to the 35,000 rupees increase announced for doctors. The strike has significantly impacted hospital operations, leaving patients in distress.

Despite discussions held between union representatives and Acting Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe and Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana on January 16, the strike continues, as the demands of the health sector workers remain unmet.

The Finance Minister's announcement of a 35,000 rupees increase in 'Service Interruption, Attendance, and Transport Allowance' for doctors was met with resistance from other health professionals, who insist on receiving the same allowance.

Amid the strike, the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Defence has called on military personnel to assist in 41 hospitals across the country. The move is another reminder of the deep militarisation across Sri Lanka, particularly in the Tamil North-East, where tens of thousands of troops remain stationed.

Army Commander Lt. General Vikum Liyanake addressed the situation, stating that military personnel are deployed to ensure the smooth functioning of essential health facilities during this critical time. He claimed that the military's role is to assist hospitals, maintain uninterrupted health services, and be prepared for emergencies.

Images courtesy of Sri Lanka Army

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