In response to a strike launched in government hospitals by 72 health unions, the Sri Lanka Army deployed troops at various government hospitals island-wide to support operational activities.
The Ministry of Health requested assistance from the Ministry of Defence to ensure uninterrupted hospital operations during the strike.
Accordingly, under the directives of the Commander of the Army Lt. General Vikum Liyanage, troops have been deployed to 26 government hospitals, including prominent ones such as the National Hospitals in Colombo and Kandy, Kalubowila, Karapitiya, Mahmodara, Peradeniya, Anuradhapura and Kurunegala Teaching Hospitals, as well as Matara, Balangoda, Eheliyagoda, Nawalapitiya, Badulla, Gampola, Meerigama, Homagama and Kegalle Hospitals.
The Army said 700 personnel have been deployed to meet the operational needs of these hospitals. In addition, the Army Commander has instructed additional troops to be prepared for deployment in case of emergencies.
