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Victory Against Corruption in Sri Lanka's Health Services

Published: 19 September 2012
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Trade unions in the health services in Sri Lanka have been agitating against corruption and abuse of power by authorities detrimental to health services provided to the public by the government hospitals.

Health Services Trade Union Alliance [HSTUA] in Sri Lanka was campaigning to remove the Director General of Health Services who has been found guilty on account of procurement of sub-standard and poor quality drugs, medical equipment contravening the standard tender procedures.

Saman Rathnapriya, President of HSTUA, said that their members launched an island wide protest campaign to remove the Director General of Health Services and retire from services on following demands to protect and safeguard the public health services in Sri Lanka;

  • To stop misuse of tax payers’ money to procure sub-standard medical equipment through corrupt practices for personal gains
  • Director General ‘s behaviour and conduct was a disrespectful as a responsible public officials
  • Abusing and ill-treating health services employees in vengeful manner



In response to the public outcry supported with the joint trade union campaign, HSTUA President, Saman Rathnapriya said the Government has not extended the services of the Director General with effect from 5 September 2012. HSTUA thanked all those who supported their campaign which resulted in a victory for trade union movement in Sri Lanka. He further said HSTUA is insisting that the retired DG need to be punished for the wrong doings while he was in service. HSTUA is a new UNI affiliate from Sri Lanka.