Colombo, Sri Lanka – A group of over 300 junior volunteers from the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, who have been serving in various roles for more than three years, arrived at the Health Ministry in Colombo on November 26, 2024, without prior notice. The volunteers, primarily involved in assisting junior health staff with day-to-day hospital operations, came to present their grievances to Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, seeking permanent positions after years of unpaid service.
The volunteers met with Minister Jayatissa to highlight the challenges they have faced working as junior volunteers, without any formal employment benefits, despite their significant contributions to the functioning of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. These volunteers have been providing essential services such as assisting with medical tasks, patient care, and administrative duties, contributing to the smooth operation of the hospital, especially in the face of ongoing staffing shortages.
During the meeting, the volunteers requested the Health Minister to take immediate steps to make their service permanent, given their years of commitment and the crucial role they play in the hospital’s operations. They emphasized that their work has been integral to maintaining hospital services, especially in key areas such as patient management and clinical support, and that their situation should be recognized and addressed by the government.
Minister Jayatissa acknowledged the importance of their work, noting that the hospital’s services have been heavily reliant on the volunteer workforce, particularly given the strained resources in the healthcare sector. He assured the group that their concerns would be taken seriously, and that he would immediately discuss the issue with senior health ministry officials.
Following the initial meeting, Minister Jayatissa continued discussions with the Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Vathsala Priyadarshani, and Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena. Together, they considered ways to address the volunteers’ requests and explore the possibility of offering them permanent employment within the health ministry.
Minister Jayatissa also met with other volunteers who had gathered outside the Health Ministry to raise awareness of their situation. He expressed his commitment to finding a fair and just solution for the volunteers, emphasizing the need for transparency in the process.
In a statement to the media, the Minister confirmed that he would urgently look into the matter and ensure that the volunteer group receives a just resolution. “These young people have been volunteering at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital for more than three years, and the hospital’s daily services have been maintained with their support,” said Minister Jayatissa. “We understand the importance of their contributions and will work toward a solution that addresses their concerns.”
The situation highlights the growing challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector, particularly in maintaining adequate staffing levels and ensuring fair treatment for volunteers who play a key role in filling gaps in the system. The volunteers’ plea for permanent positions reflects broader issues related to workforce stability and the need for long-term solutions in the public health sector.
