GMOA writes to Speaker seeking action against Rajitha over 'misleading remarks'

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has written to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya urging action be taken against Minister Rajitha Senaratne over certain "misleading remarks" in Parliament.

In the letter, the medical officers' body drew reference to a response made by the Health Minister over the "Suwapathi Kirula" ceremony to recognise his appointment as Vice Chairman of the WHO.

Parliamentarian Bimal Ratnayake had raised a question regarding the organising body and the funding for the event, the union said.

“In response, Health Minister stated that the ceremony had been organised by the WHO’s branch in Sri Lanka and the Health Services Trade Union Federation,” the GMOA’s letter noted adding that the cost for the event had been Rs 6.7 million.

However, the union claimed that the invitation card for the event had shown that the ceremony had been organised by the Ministry of Health as well.“This is a clear indication that the Health Minister is attempting to mislead Parliament,” the release read.

Accordingly, the GMOA called on the Speaker to pay attention and take appropriate action in this regard.

(The invitation card as sent by the GMOA to the Speaker is produced below)