Warning to striking CNH substitute workers

Nadira Gunatilleke

All substitute workers attached to the Colombo National Hospital(CNH) who do not report to work today (3) will be deemed to have vacated their posts. They will be replaced with a new batch of substitute workers, Health Ministry secretary Dr. Nihal Jayatilleke said.

According to Dr. Jayatillekethe, a worker attached to the Colombo National Hospital had been transferred to the Ragama Hospital by the Public Service Commission as a punishment for a offense done by him two years ago. The Health Ministry is unable to reverse the decision taken by the Public Service Commission.

"A group of workers attached to the Colombo National Hospital launched a strike against this transfer letting down the innocent poor patients who visit the hospital for treatment. This is an act of sabotage. Only a handful of substitute workers and other workers are involved in this action," he said.

"At the moment operations of the Colombo National Hospital are being carried out with the assistance of the Armed Forces. The assistance offered by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is greatly appreciated. The workers should allow the Health Ministry to implement the transfer and report to work. All substitute workers and labourers who do not report to work today will be considered as vacated their posts," he added.