Sri Lanka Army troops deployed to hospitals as health strike continues

In response to an island-wide strike led by minor staff trade unions in the health sector, the Sri Lanka Army has mobilized its troops to ensure the uninterrupted operation of essential health services across the country. 

The decision was made following a request from the Ministry of Health to Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage.

Troops have been strategically deployed at key government hospitals, including the Colombo National Hospital, Kandy General Hospital, Kalubowila Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Mahamodara Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, and various other medical facilities in Matara, Balangoda, Eheliyagoda, Nawalapitiya, Badulla, Gampola, and Meerigama. This deployment aims to mitigate the impact of the strike and ensure the seamless provision of health services to the public.

Currently, 500 troops are stationed at these hospitals under the supervision of Security Forces Commanders in West and Central Sri Lanka. The Commander of the Army has instructed the Security Force Commanders to have additional troops on standby, ready for further deployment in case of an emergency.