Army deployed in hospitals after strike

The assistance of the Sri Lanka Army has been offered to conduct emergency skeletal services at island-wide Government hospitals in response to a request following trade union action staged by the minor staff working in hospitals last morning.

At the request of the Ministry of Health, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva has accordingly directed Army formations at provincial levels to deploy Army personnel in order to assist conduct of essential services.

The Army in a statement said that troops had been deployed to State hospitals in Avissawella, Badulla, Kosgama, Colombo South, Kurunegala, Elpitiya, Matara, Lady Ridgeway and Okkampitiya.

In addition, a reserve contingent of Army personnel is on standby in case of any further requirements.