Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva has alleged that the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) is engaging in political activity rather than legitimate trade union action.

Silva made the remarks in response to an inquiry by Irida Divaina regarding the strike action launched by the GMOA.

He claimed that the association was opposed to the current Government and remained politically aligned with the style of governance associated with former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was ousted from office.

Referring to the former administration’s controversial organic fertiliser policy, Silva said the GMOA had extended its support to Rajapaksa at the time, a move which he claimed ultimately contributed to the collapse of that Government.

While acknowledging that the GMOA is demanding salary increases, Silva said such demands could not be accommodated under the present economic conditions.

He further accused senior GMOA office-bearers of occupying key administrative positions within the hospital system, alleging that this had limited opportunities for other medical professionals to advance within the public health sector.