In response to the circular issued by the secretary of the Ministry of health a letter requesting a dialog between the officials and the trade unions was sent by Mr Ravi kumudesh of paramedics’ trade union
Janaka S. Mr. Chandragupta,
Secretary, Ministry of Health
“Suvasiripaya”,
Colombo 10
Suppression of trade union rights. Restrictions on the right of speech and expression for the advancement of patients and free health care.
In relation to your Public Circular Letter No. 02-106/2023 dated 20.07.2023 bearing No. MH/ADl.Sec.(Admin I)/01/2021,
It seems that the said circular has been issued with the intention of restricting the freedom of speech and expression of the health personnel by citing certain chapters of the Institutions Code and court decisions, and it seems that an attempt has been made to prevent the exposure of the society to the corruption, fraud and other malpractices that are being exposed in the current health service.
Also, although the circular has cited the legal conditions to be applied as ordinary public servants in relation to the Institutional Code and certain court decisions, it has not mentioned the provisions of the same Institutional Code for the officers of a trade union or a scholarly association of professionals and the Trade Union Ordinance, the Professional Association Registration Act and any of the cases where the right to express opinions as public servants has been confirmed. Therefore, it is clear that this circular was deliberately issued with a plan to be used casually to suppress trade unions. Therefore, we strongly reject it and regretfully inform that if any attempt is made to implement the said circular arbitrarily at the institution level, we will have to initiate trade union action against it.
However, in relation to this circular, the procedures for issuing statements to the media for the representatives of trade unions and professional associations have not been clearly explained, so we request that an explanation be given immediately and an opportunity to discuss it be given and until then, the circular be revoked.
Thank you !
Trust this
Ravi Kumudesh, Chairman, Joint Council of Paramedic Professionals”
