With the ongoing health strike impacting vital services, the Sri Lanka Army has deployed over 1,300 personnel to support critical hospital operations across the country. This move aims to mitigate the disruption caused by the strike, now entering its second day.
Following the directive of Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, 1,100 soldiers have been mobilized to provide relief to affected patients. Troops are currently deployed under the supervision of regional commanders at major hospitals such as Colombo National Hospital, Kandy National Hospital, Kalubowila, Karapitiya, Mahmodara, Peradeniya, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala Teaching Hospitals, and the Eye Hospital Colombo. Additionally, 64 other hospitals across the nation, including those in Matale, Polonnaruwa, Medirigiriya, Higurakgoda, Batticaloa, and several others, are receiving support from deployed army personnel.
The Army Commander has further instructed officials to prepare for additional deployments to other hospitals based on evolving needs. In addition to the army contingent, 188 Sri Lanka Air Force personnel and 93 Navy personnel have also been deployed to bolster hospital services.
