Nurses’ demands gets Treasury green light

Ridma Dissanayake

The Treasury has given its approval to release funds to meet several demands made by nurses.

The Finance Ministry communication in this regard was handed over to the Public Service United Nurses Association chairman Ven Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena and Ministry Secretary Dr Nihal Jayathilake at the Health Ministry recently.

The Treasury granted approval for five demands including effecting periodic amendments to the nursing service constitution, increasing the risk allowance paid to nurses, implementing a rate system with regard to overtime payments and upgrading the nurses’ training school in Colombo to the status of a university.

The ministry spokesman said approval was received as a result of discussions between the Health Minister, Ministry Secretary, Treasury Secretary Dr P B Jayasundara and the Public Services United Nurses Association chairman.

The Treasury Secretary informed the Health Ministry that the circular in this connection will be issued within the next two weeks, he said.