The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has refuted claims that it expressed support for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s presence in the current Parliament.

GMOA Spokesman Chamil Wijesinghe, speaking during a televised debate, clarified that no such statement was made during their recent meeting with Wickremesinghe. He noted that while the United National Party’s (UNP) media release suggested otherwise, the matter was never discussed.

Wijesinghe accused certain parties of using this claim to discredit the GMOA, sparking unnecessary backlash.

“This is a deliberate smear campaign against us. Misrepresenting our statements does nothing to address the real issues doctors are facing,” he said.

The GMOA met with Wickremesinghe this week to discuss challenges in the medical sector, specially the reduced allowance issue of the doctors. However, the UNP’s media statement following the meeting claimed that the GMOA had expressed the need for an experienced politician like Wickremesinghe in Parliament.