President Urges Support to Keep Economy on Track

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urged all stakeholders to support the government’s efforts to maintain the hard-earned economic stability, emphasizing that safeguarding this progress remains a top priority.

The President made these remarks during a meeting with the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), following a day of widespread industrial action by state doctors protesting the proposed 2026 Budget.

“The economy that collapsed in 2022 has now been stabilized. Preserving that stability is a fundamental objective of the government,” the President stated, expressing hope that the GMOA would extend its cooperation.

Earlier today, the GMOA launched an island-wide strike opposing the 2026 Budget, which they claim overlooks critical healthcare needs and the welfare of medical professionals.

As part of their trade union action, doctors refrained from issuing prescriptions for patients to purchase medicines and equipment externally, among other measures.

The President’s Media Division confirmed that the GMOA presented its grievances during the meeting and assured that these concerns will be reviewed in the coming days.