People wait for treatment at an empty government hospital in Colombo yesterday. Thousands of doctors in Sri Lanka’s state-run hospitals went on strike Thursday to demand that the government reinstate their right to import tax-free cars after withdrawing the perk in the latest budget. Sri Lanka imposes import taxes of between 200 and 300 percent on cars, but government workers have always been able to buy them at concessionary rates -- a privilege withdrawn in the 2016 budget. AFP

AFP: Thousands of doctors in Sri Lanka’s state-run hospitals went on strike Thursday to demand the government reinstate their right to import tax-free cars after withdrawing the perk in the latest budget.

Sri Lanka imposes import taxes of between 200 and 300 percent on cars, but government workers have always been able to buy them at concessionary rates -- a privilege withdrawn in the 2016 budget.

“We are maintaining only emergency services,” said Nalinda Herath, secretary of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) of the one-day strike.

“We have had talks with the health minister, but he was unable to give us an assurance to restore the permits [to import cars tax-free],” he added. 

Civil servants are also taking action to protest the government’s decision, with a “work to rule” campaign from Thursday.

The Finance Ministry said last month it was abolishing the special car permits for government workers, including police and military, because it was costing the state too much money.

The move was also aimed at stemming the practice of selling car permits to traders, who have flooded the market with luxury vehicles.

GMOA to call off strike today

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) will call off the island-wide strike from today, GMOA Secretary Dr. Nalinda Herath said.

This came after the Prime Minister today announced that concessionary duty free vehicle permits to public sector officials will be given once in 10 years.

Dr. Herath earlier asserted the GMOA decided to resort to strike action as the authorities failed to respond to its key issues with respect several proposals suggested in the Budget 2016.

Dr. Herath added the decision was taken after an urgent Central Committee meeting which was held at its trade union head office.