Army deployed at hospitals amidst health strike

• Troops were deployed in response to a request by the Ministry of Health to Army Commander 

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

The Sri Lanka Army yesterday deployed their troops at government hospitals affected by the island wide strike by minor staff trade unions in the health sector, to ensure the smooth running of essential health services in the country.    

The Sri Lanka Army said troops were deployed in response to a request by the Ministry of Health to Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage.   

Troops have been deployed at the National Hospital in Colombo, Kandy General Hospital, Kalubowila Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Mahamodara Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, Kurunegala Teaching Hospital and Government hospitals in Matara, Balangoda, Eheliyagoda, Nawalapitiya, Badulla, Gampola and Meerigama under the supervision of the Western and Central Security Forces Commanders.

The Army said they deployed approximately 500 troops in these hospitals and Commander of the Army has instructed the Security Forces Commanders to be on stand-by with additional troops for further deployment in case of any emergency while ensuring the smooth function of the health services so as to avoid inconvenience to the public.