GMOA seeks restoration of duty-free vehicle permits
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has called on the Government to restore duty-concession vehicle import permits, suspended in 2022. In a statement issued yesterday (08), GMOA Secretary Dr. U.K.B. Warakagoda said doctors would stage a protest outside the Colombo National Hospital on November 10 over unresolved grievances, including salary and allowance issues and the […]
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has urged the Government to reinstate duty-free vehicle import permits, which were suspended in 2022. In a statement released yesterday, GMOA Secretary Dr. U.K.B. Warakagoda announced doctors would demonstrate outside the Colombo National Hospital on November 10 to express their discontent over unresolved issues.
These grievances include salary and allowance problems, as well as the scarcity of medical professionals. The Association accused the Health Ministry of not responding to repeated requests for talks on the challenges faced by medical personnel. GMOA stated that the suspension of duty-concession vehicle permits, following the 2022 economic crisis, and the imposition of higher taxes on doctors' earnings and allowances, have exacerbated their financial hardships.
The GMOA further alleged that one-third of doctors' overtime and holiday allowances were withheld under the 2025 public sector salary revision, with the Government reportedly planning to reinstate the payments once the country's economic conditions improved.
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