• Similar changes have been made in other sectors, says Deputy Min. of Health

The Ministry of Health stated that it cannot resolve the issue of health workers' allowances, including those of doctors, which has allegedly arisen due to changes in the 2025 Budget, and that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as the Minister of Finance, will make an appropriate decision on the matter.

Following the presentation of the 2025 Budget in the Parliament recently, allegations have emerged that several allowances for health sector employees, including doctors and nurses, will be reduced due to changes introduced in the Budget.

When contacted by The Daily Morning, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said that even though the rates at which certain allowances are calculated have been revised through the Budget, a significant basic salary increase has been granted to all public servants including health sector employees, and added that they will not suffer any financial loss. "The health service is particularly sensitive when it comes to salary-related matters. They are the ones raising this issue. However, similar changes have been made in other sectors as well. Allowances for certain categories of public servants have even been discontinued. The changes made are not permanent and may be adjusted in the future."  

When queried as to whether the Government would consider reversing the changes in light of the opposition expressed by health sector employees, Dr. Wijemuni said that the Ministry does not have the authority to make any decision in this regard. "The final decision lies with President Dissanayake, who also serves as the Finance Minister. He will assess the country’s monetary situation and take an appropriate course of action."

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has meanwhile requested an immediate meeting with the President to discuss the issue. Speaking to The Daily Morning early this week, GMOA Spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said that while the allowance cuts vary across each category, overall, they would receive about 50% less in allowances than they should due to the changes in question.