The Society of Government Pharmacists has decided to launch a one-day trade union action from 8:00 a.m. on Monday (August 31).

The decision comes in response to several unresolved issues concerning their “additional service allowances”, the association said.

According to the President of the Association, Ajith P. Thilakarathna, a circular was issued by the Health Secretary on August 29, 2026, renaming the overtime allowances of pharmacists as “additional service allowances.”

However, Thilakarathna pointed out that the circular was subsequently cancelled without any acceptable explanation, allegedly due to pressure from the medical services sector.

Despite these developments, the authorities have so far failed to provide a satisfactory solution to the matter.

Consequently, the Association is demanding the immediate reinstatement of the circular, stating that the one-day strike is being launched to pressure the authorities to take action in this regard.

He further noted that all maternity and children’s hospitals, cancer hospitals, and mental health institutions will be exempted from the strike on humanitarian grounds.

The association added that a special mechanism has been prepared to maintain emergency and essential services at all other hospitals, allowing heads of institutions to ensure the continuity of such services by contacting the chief pharmacists at their respective facilities.

Meanwhile, Ajith P. Thilakarathna stated that the relevant parties have been notified to take the necessary measures to minimize any inconvenience caused to the public due to the trade union action.