The Public Health Inspectors’ Union of Sri Lanka has stated that the services of Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have been overlooked in the 2027 Budget proposals.

The Union expressed regret that no measures had been introduced in the Budget presented by the President to address the issues faced by Public Health Inspectors.

It pointed out that approximately 2,400 Public Health Inspectors attached to the Department of Health and the Department of Local Government serve across the country, facing numerous challenges in carrying out their duties.

The Union further noted that it had previously taken steps to bring the issues faced by Public Health Inspectors to the attention of the President and other relevant authorities.

According to the Union, while the office allowances of other field officers, whose areas of responsibility are limited to a single Grama Niladhari division, have been increased under the Budget, the office allowances of Public Health Inspectors have been overlooked.

It pointed out that Public Health Inspectors are responsible for extensive areas covering between 10 and 20 Grama Niladhari divisions and are required to maintain field offices to carry out their duties.

Furthermore, the Union stated that the travelling allowances of Public Health Inspectors had also been overlooked in the Budget, despite these officers travelling approximately 100 kilometres per day across their respective areas of responsibility.

The Union also highlighted that no programme had been proposed to provide motorcycles to all eligible Public Health Inspectors who have yet to receive one.

Reiterating that the Government had failed to recognise the contribution of Public Health Inspectors in the Budget, the Union urged the authorities to take immediate steps to address their outstanding issues through the Budget proposals.