National Eye Hospital Staff Protest Irregular Transfers

Doctors at the Colombo National Eye Hospital are set to begin a strike today, January 22, in protest against irregular staff transfers, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has confirmed.

According to GMOA spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, the industrial action will commence at 8:00 a.m., with participating doctors ceasing work to press for administrative reforms and fair handling of staff postings. The association emphasized that the protest is a direct response to ongoing grievances related to transfer policies that doctors consider arbitrary and unfair.

In addition to the strike at the National Eye Hospital, the GMOA indicated that similar actions will be carried out at hospitals across the Eastern Province. The coordinated effort aims to draw attention to the concerns of medical professionals nationwide and to demand corrective measures from the authorities.

The GMOA further warned that, if the government continues to delay addressing issues concerning doctors’ allowances, an indefinite trade union action will begin tomorrow, January 23. The association has stressed that this escalation would involve doctors across multiple facilities, highlighting the seriousness of their demands and the potential impact on healthcare services.

The strike comes amid growing tension between medical professionals and the government, with doctors seeking assurances that administrative decisions, such as transfers and allowances, are handled transparently and in line with established policies. Authorities have yet to issue a formal response to the announced strike and the planned indefinite action.

Patients and the public are advised to expect disruptions in services at the National Eye Hospital and other affected facilities as doctors carry out their industrial action.