Following unrest and uncertainty regarding the unpublished gazette on the retirement age of medical specialists, which risks the premature retirement of over 200 specialists, the Ministry of Public Administration has decided to take steps to publish the gazette notification.

Informed sources revealed that Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa submitted a fresh note on the matter, addressing the Court of Appeal ruling that the retirement age for specialist doctors in state hospitals should be retained at 63 years, which had been the practice since 2018.

The delay in issuing the crucial circular or gazette had placed over 200 specialist doctors in Sri Lanka at risk of premature retirement.

Despite the Court of Appeal ruling extending the retirement age for specialist doctors in state hospitals to 63 years and cabinet approval granted on June 19, 2024, the Ministry of Public Administration delayed implementing the decision in the form of an official circular or gazette. However, the current Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration has taken steps in the right direction to rectify the situation.

Accordingly, the new gazette will enable the Ministry of Public Administration to issue the much-needed circular soon.

This administrative inaction has created uncertainty among specialists turning 60 by December 31, who are unsure if they will be permitted to continue their service.