The Government’s stance on the issue surrounding SAITM is due to be presented to the cabinet of ministers today (27).

Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne issued an announcement stating that the cabinet paper would be issued by the Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Highways.

He added that President Maithripala Sirisena had no desire to meet with the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) to discuss the strike, but that the GMOA had pressured the officials of the President’s Office into issuing an appointment with the President.

The Minister also said that President Sirisena had informed him that the meeting was not an official discussion, and as such, no documented reports were available. Accordingly, he added that there was no need to make any statements regarding the discussion between the President and the GMOA.

The announcement issued by Minister Senaratne also clarified that the Secretary to the President had issued the Government’s stance regarding SAITM on June 25, and that the cabinet paper pending submission today (27) comprises the relevant series of policies.

Meanwhile, the GMOA stated that a special discussion had been held yesterday (26) night with the officials of the Presidential Secretariat Office where the Government’s announcement regarding SAITM was addressed.

The Association proceeded to state that the parties had agreed to amend a few sections of the announcement. Accordingly, the amendments are also scheduled to be issued today (27).