Public Health Inspectors Warn of Strike Over Alleged Irregularities at Airport Health Office

The Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Association has raised serious concerns over alleged irregularities, misuse of public funds and administrative misconduct at the Health Office of Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the association alleged that several complaints regarding suspected wrongdoing had previously been brought to the attention of authorities, but that proper investigations had not been conducted.

The association further alleged that Senior Public Health Inspector B.H. Weerasekera was arbitrarily transferred after raising concerns over the reported irregularities.

As a result, the association said public health inspectors across the country would withdraw from airport quarantine-related duties, including investigations involving dengue patients, from August 20.

It said this action would be followed by a nationwide strike on August 21.

The association warned that further professional trade union action would be considered depending on the response from Health Ministry officials.

It also said evidence concerning the alleged irregularities would be submitted to the relevant authorities for appropriate legal action.

The association called on the authorities to reinstate Weerasekera in his previous position pending a formal and impartial investigation into the allegations.