Bureaucratic delay puts over 200 specialists at risk of retirement

• A general circular and Gazette from the Ministry of Public Administration mandated retirement for public servants at 60 years

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

A delay in issuing a crucial circular/ Gazette has put over 200 specialist doctors in Sri Lanka at risk of premature retirement, threatening the country’s public health service, Daily Mirror learns.   

Despite a Court of Appeal ruling that extended the retirement age for specialist doctors in state hospitals to 63 years, and cabinet approving the same on 19th June 2024, the Ministry of Public Administration has yet to implement the decision through an official circular/Gazette.  

 The controversy arose after a general circular and Gazette from the Ministry of Public Administration mandated retirement for public servants at 60 years. This prompted medical specialists to seek legal recourse, which resulted in the court’s decision to raise their retirement age to 63 years.   

While the Ministry of Health has complied by issuing its own circular aligning with the ruling, the Ministry of Public Administration has not yet formalized the decision. This administrative inaction has created uncertainty among specialists turning 60 by December 31, who are unsure if they will be permitted to continue their service.  

Sources further indicate that affected doctors have been inquiring with the ministry to resolve the matter. However, with the year’s end fast approaching, their future in public health remains unclear.  

Meanwhile, Daily Mirror’s attempts to contact a senior official at Public Administration Ministry failed.