Public Health Inspectors step away from disease control measures

The Ministry issued a gazette on Friday outlining several health guidelines that must be adhered with regard to the parliamentary election. However, the PHI Union said the gazette has not vested them with any powers to monitor the implementation of these guidelines.

The PHI Union stepped away from all COVID-19 control duties with effect from Friday (July 17), as a mark of protest over a statement made by Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.

 The Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors Union points out that its officers have no legal protection when performing their duties if they are not vested with the authority to implement the health guidelines

“We cannot implement the law without being vested with powers,” Chairman of the PHI Union Upul Rohana said.

He further noted that with the strike action, containment measures of communicable diseases have also been hampered.