Grama Niladharis to begin countrywide strike tonight

While condemning the actions taken by the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) yesterday over administering COVID vaccines for them and their family members violating the priority list, the Grama Niladhari's Association (GNA) today decided to engage in countrywide Trade Union (TU) action from tonight, GNA President Sumith Kodikara said.

Addressing the media in Kandy, he said the Sri Lanka United Grama Niladhari Union (SLGNU) also decided to join them in the strike.

"During the first and the second COVID waves, the Grama Niladharis (GN) had engaged in special duties day and night. One of our colleagues had died due to COVID infection and several officers are still receiving treatments in hospitals, and their families are serving quarantine," he said.

Considering the situation, the Grama Niladharis requested the Government to provide COVID vaccines for them, but there was no favourable response by the Government as yet, Mr. Kodikara lamented.

However, most of the Government and opposition MPs and their family members, security forces personnel, doctors and their families have been given the vaccine, he said.

"The GMOA had taken the power into their hands improperly. They had got them vaccinated along their family members. As an association, we condemn the arbitrary act by the GMOA," Kodikara said.

Therefore, a total number of 12,000 Grama Niladharis across the country have decided to stay away from all their duties and to join hands with the TU and continue our action from tonight." he said. 

The Government should be held responsible for this dire situation, Mr. Kodikara concluded. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)