A growing rift between specialist doctors and medical unions is raising alarms, as accusations fly over strikes, patient welfare, and attempts to derail long-awaited health sector reforms.
At a moment when the country is moving toward creating a unique service constitution for medical specialists, tensions have erupted between senior specialists and rank and file doctors. The initiative, which has drawn strong interest from specialists, is aimed at addressing long standing professional grievances and has received direct intervention and backing from the President.
Specialist doctors now allege that the Government Medical Officers Association is attempting to derail this process by planning an island wide strike that would scapegoat patients. They claim such action is designed to disrupt efforts to resolve specialist specific issues at a critical stage.
They further note that during the past one and a half years, none of their official media statements demanded the creation of a separate Sri Lankan medical service, contrary to claims made in a press release issued on 19.01.2026. According to specialists, this demand is being raised now purely to obstruct progress toward resolving their long pending concerns.
Emphasizing that a strike is the final option of any trade union, specialists argue that deploying it against fellow doctors is irresponsible and unjustifiable. They insist that using industrial action in this manner undermines professional unity and public trust.
Specialists urge the GMOA to adopt constructive solutions now.
