Health Secretary adamant on not receding controversial circular

By Sheain Fernandopulle 
Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta has categorically stated that the circular issued advising public employees not to release information to media, would not be withdrawn under any circumstances.
His remarks come in the context where the health trade unions have warned of a massive strike action this week in protest of the circular.

Addressing the media, the Secretary said that there was no necessity to recede the circular as it is clearly outlined in the Establishments Code.
“Therefore, we will not revert the circular as there is no need to do so,” he reiterated.
In light of the spread of misinformation and disinformation on mainstream and social media regarding incidents in the health sector, the Secretary to the Health Ministry issued a circular instructing government employees to exercise caution when releasing official information to the media or the public.
The decision to issue a circular of this nature was slammed by health professionals and trade unions