The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, answers are as follows.

¶ 02 (a)(i) Students admitted for Ayurveda/Siddha/Unani by year and university (Colombo, Gampaha, Jaffna, Eastern) have been recorded. (Figures as per records tabled in the House.)

¶ 03 (ii) Those who have completed studies and internship and are awaiting employment total 1,990.

¶ 04 (iii) In the Sri Lanka Ayurveda Medical Service (as at 2025.06.30), the approved cadre, in-position cadre, and vacancies are 2,567, 2,065, and 502 respectively. In addition, the Ayurveda Medical Officer cadre includes officers qualified in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, since the general officer cadre retains graduates across these streams.

¶ 05 (iv) The Department of Management Services has approved fresh recruitments to fill existing vacancies in the Sri Lanka Ayurveda Medical Service. Of the 502 vacancies (as at 2024.06.30) in the primary grade medical officer category, Cabinet approval has already been received to recruit 304. Accordingly, recruitment is underway. Under this approval, 304 graduates from the 2009/2010, 2010/2011, and 2011/2012 academic years will be appointed on 03 November. Thereafter, we will seek approval to fill the remaining vacancies and proceed to recruit accordingly, including other staff categories referred to by the Hon. Member. However, these are not jobs that can be filled and deployed immediately; proper training is required. Training is in progress and appointments will be made without delay once training concludes.

¶ 06 Regarding the Mullaitivu District Siddha Hospital proposal: Thank you for your suggestions. We will consider the proposals to integrate tourism with Ayurveda/Siddha/Unani service development and hospital upgrades. Our programme aligns with this direction, and we will discuss with area MPs to develop the hospital system accordingly.