The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, first, I wish success to my friend Minister Nalinda Jayatissa in fulfilling his Health portfolio.

¶ 02 Recently, talk of cutting public sector allowances—including in health—created fear. Trade unions considered strike action, but after discussions yesterday with the Minister, they agreed to suspend actions for a week or two, which is welcome.

¶ 03 I also discussed with the Government Medical Officers’ Association and others. Government doctors make sacrifices—often without official quarters, transport, or allowances; they rent privately, pay their own fuel, and attend calls at night. Many doctors have left the country due to economic hardship—annual outflow has risen from ~200 to around 2,000 recently. Having been educated with public funds, they should be retained with incentives.

¶ 04 While you increased basic salary—good—the reduction of allowances coupled with that has unfairly affected health staff and academics. Since we debate Health, I urge focus on this.

¶ 05 Doctor strikes cannot be covered by others; patients’ lives are at risk. I appeal to doctors as taxpayers and citizens: discuss and resolve, remain in Sri Lanka, and serve. The economy is turning slightly positive; please return to serve the people.

¶ 06 On indigenous medicine, many qualified practitioners await appointments. I hear some Cabinet approval has been granted, but details lack clarity—how many will be recruited, whether Cabinet has approved, and timelines. Please clarify and expedite. Indigenous medicine in the private sector earns significant income; support and incentivize its development and new institutions.

¶ 07 Despite higher budget allocations, drug supply remains weak—tragically, even the Cancer Hospital lacks essential medicines. Prescriptions from public hospitals increasingly drive patients straight to private pharmacies near hospitals—now a norm. For example, the essential breast cancer drug anastrozole was still unavailable recently at the Cancer Hospital. Although funds were provided, orders were not placed timely, causing stock-outs. Please address.

¶ 08 Support local pharmaceutical manufacturers—you removed VAT, which we welcome, but there are reports of IMF recommending reinstatement; please reconsider to ensure fairness.

¶ 09 On Mass Media: you now have an opportunity to correct wrongs of 2015–2019 and earlier—attacks on Sirasa and Siyatha, and murders and disappearances of journalists like Lasantha Wickrematunge and Prageeth Ekneligoda were not resolved. Please ensure justice now. Thank you.