GMOA threatens strike over new Bill

The Government Medical Of ficers' Association ( GMOA) is up in arms again over the introduction of the the proposed ' General Sir John Kotelawala National Defence University Bill’ and vows trade union action in the coming weeks.

GMOA Secretary Dr Haritha Aluthge said that, on May 3 ( Thursday), a special General Committee meeting will be summoned with representatives from all 112 branches participating, to decide future trade union action against the new Bill which, according to them, will give powers to SAITM, instead of abolishing it.

He said they would oppose bringing this Bill to Parliament to be passed as the ' General Sir John Kotelawala National Defence University Act of 2018'.

The proposed Bill seeks to give powers to KDU, to grant affiliation status to local and foreign higher education institutions including technical, vocational or professional institutions.

“Being affiliated to institutions like SAITM, we are concerned whether this Act will give more powers to SAITM, instead abolishing it,” he said.

Dr Aluthge said that, one of the GMOA's concerns is the change of the name of the University from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University to General Sir John Kotelawala National Defence University.

“Our concern is whether this proposed Act ensures a registerable Medical Degree. The governing body is headed by military officials who will decide awarding the MBBS Degree. This will abolish the requirement of Act 16, the Examination and also overrides the Sri Lanka Medical Council ( SLMC),” he said, adding that, the Government should, instead of rushing to pass the Bill, explain to the public the exact contents of the proposed amendments. And clear doubts, if any.

“Even if the Defence University comes under the Minister of Defence ( The President), Medical Degrees cannot be conferred according to his wishes,” he said.

A special committee has been appointed within the GMOA, to study the Bill, and the GMOA plans to meet President Sirisena to discuss their concerns arising from the bill.

Our concern is whether this proposed Act ensures a registerable Medical Degree. The governing body is headed by military officials who will decide awarding the MBBS Degree. This will abolish the requirement of Act 16, the Examination and also overrides the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC)