Honorable Ranil Wickramasinghe
His Excellency the President
Presidential Secretariat
Colombo 01
Urgent Appeal for Economic Justice Allowance for the Entire Health Workforce
Dear Sir,
Amidst widespread corruptions, frauds, thefts, and financial mismanagement plaguing various sectors, including the health service, our professionals have endured financial challenges while hoping for transformative measures. Despite our commitment to professional standards, we believe that the Ministry of Health and certain parties have not provided accurate information, creating a crisis in the country.
In addressing the common situation faced by the entire health workforce, it is imperative to rectify the neglect of economic justice. While medical officers have received an allowance of Rs. 35,000/-, the rest of the health staff, facing a financial crisis, seeks equality in treatment. We have submitted a specific proposal to the Ministry of Health and Finance, emphasizing equality and moderate influence instead of an equal allowance for resolution.
Despite a temporary suspension of strike action based on promises during a discussion with the Ministry of Finance on 16.01.2024, there has been no response since your return. We urgently request your intervention to provide a constructive solution, as our collective responsibility to maintain quality healthcare is at risk.
If the government or the Ministry of Finance fails to act constructively, 72 health trade unions, representing over 100,000 health care workers, will initiate strike actions and protests from February 1st 2024 and the continuations will be decided with the response we receive from your side . We regret to inform you of this potential and action.
We appreciate your contribution to treating the healthcare team with equality and kindly request your prompt intervention to resolve this matter.
With great regards,
On be half of the Board of Convenors
Mr. Ravi Kumudesh
Health Trade Union Alliance (HTUA)