Change in TUs' attitude, vision needed says Governor

Mahinda P Liyanage, - Galle Daily News corr

Trade Unions should strive for a positive change in their attitude, vision and mission in dealing with problems at a time the country was aiming to be transformed into the Miracle of Asia under the Mahinda Chintana development strategy, Southern Province Governor Kumari Balasuriya said.

She was speaking at Dhakshina Suwa Viru Abhishekaya 2012, the annual ceremony held to felicitate Southern provincial medical professionals and institutions for their performances and accomplishment in healthcare.

The ceremony was organised by the Southern Provincial Department of Health Service on the guidance of Southern Province Chief Minister Shan Wijayalal de Silva.

"Some Trade Unions are in the habit of launching trade union action even for trivial matters by disrupting the entire health sector inconveniencing the public. We are always ready for discussions and eager to solve problems of state professionals and employees through concession and consultation. I urge Trade Unions to first discuss problems with the authorities and solve them peacefully," the Governor said.

She said as envisaged in the Mahinda Chintana, plans are under way to ensure a fully modernised and advanced health sector in the South.

A number of new hospitals with modern technologies and facilities would be soon established in Hambantota, Matara and Tangalle to solve overcrowding at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Galle. People from far away places such as Monaragala and Embilipitiya come to Karapitiya for health care requirements. A children's hospital and a women's hospital similar to those in Colombo and Peradeniya will be set up, Balasuriya said. Chief Minister de Silva said health and medical care sector personnel render a great service to mankind.

Felicitating achievements, skills and talents of health care employees is commendable which would encourage them to serve with devotion and dedication, the Chief Minister said.

Health Service Director General Dr Palitha Maheepala, WHO consultant Dr Sarath Samarage, Southern Province Health Ministry Secretary A U Welarathne and Southern Province Health Service director Dr Hemachandra Edirimanne also spoke.