Sri Lanka: Health workers on nationwide strike as of March 2; emergency services remain available

Event

Unionized healthcare professionals are striking across Sri Lanka through 08:00 March 4 to demand improved wages, among others. The action is impacting services at public hospitals, with delays reported nationwide. However, doctors, nurses, and workers involved in emergency, maternity, children's, cancer, and kidney treatments, continue to work. Organizers may prolong the strike at short notice; recurrent work stoppages are probable in the coming weeks despite a legal ban on essential workers' strikes.

Strike participants could protest during the action; demonstrations are most likely near government hospitals and buildings, especially the Ministry of Health. Authorities will likely increase security at any gatherings that occur. Localized business and transport disruptions are possible near any demonstration. While any protests will probably be peaceful, clashes between demonstrators and security personnel remain possible.

Advice

Confirm medical and diagnostic imaging appointments. If possible, contact healthcare facilities in advance for information about wait times, which could vary among hospitals and clinics. Avoid any demonstrations as a precaution. Plan for possible localized disruptions near any protest site.