A special discussion was held today – on Tuesday 17 March 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, to examine the issues faced by members of the Sri Lanka Government Pharmacists’ Association and their requests.
During the discussion, the Association informed the Governor that there are vacancies for regional pharmacists in the districts of Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, and Mannar in the Northern Province. They also requested the establishment of special-grade positions for Vavuniya and Tellippalai. In addition, they urged that steps be taken to fill the currently existing 14 vacant of government pharmacist positions in the Northern Province.
The representatives of the Association also pointed out the need for drug storage facilities and the shortage of medicine distribution vehicles. In response, the Governor assured that the relevant authorities would be consulted and necessary prompt actions would be taken. He further noted that construction work on drug storage facilities for the Regional Medical Supplies Divisions (RMSD) in Tellippalai and Chavakachcheri is currently underway.
Furthermore, a request regarding overtime allowances submitted by the Sri Lanka Government Pharmacists’ Cooperative Society was discussed in detail. Commenting on this matter, the Hon. Governor stated that a special committee would be appointed under the leadership of the Chief Secretary of Northern Province to review the request in a manner consistent with the circulars of the Line Ministry and to provide an appropriate solution.
The meeting was attended by several officials, including the Deputy Chief Secretary – Administration of the Northern Province, the Secretary to the Governor, the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Health, the Provincial Director of Health Services, an Accountant from the Provincial Ministry of Health, and members of the executive committee of the Sri Lanka Government Pharmacists’ Association, including its President.
