Docs on 24hr token strike, professionals protest against tax hike

Doctors in state hospitals island-wide launched a 24 hour token strike today(08) while unions representing professionals and state employees conduct protests and rallies in Colombo against the government's tax hike. 

The Government Medical Officers Association announced that doctors will go on strike over the government's inability to solve the severe shortage of medicines in hospitals as well as the increased tax rates.

Many patients visiting government hospital clinics and OPDs were seen struggling due to the absence of medical officers. 

The GMOA said medical services at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, De Soysa and Caste Street maternity hospitals, Apeksha Cancer Hospital will not be affected by the token strike. The striking doctors will join the protest march in Colombo as well.

The Ports Authority union said its employees will go on a work-to-rule campaign, while Ranjan Jayalal of the Ceylon Electricity Board union said their employees expressed their protest by going on sick leave today.

Bank of Ceylon Employees Union said that they will refrain from duties from 12.30 p.m. today.

Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association said a large number of employees in the administrative service are on sick leave today to express displeasure over the government’s tax move.

The Federation of University Teachers’ Association also announced its decision to go on a one-day token strike.

Electricity, ports, and petroleum sector unions will hold their protest campaign in Fort this afternoon.  

Professionals’ Trade Union Collective will join the protestors at Colombo Hyde Park grounds at 2.00 p.m.