PHM-Exch> Sri Lanka: MINUTES OF THE PHM MONTHLY MEETING HELD ON 25TH AUGUST 2020

[Claudio Schuftan]

The participants for this Meeting included Environmentalists, Women Groups,
Human Rights Activists, Health Rights Activists and Politicians.

The following main issues were discussed :-

1.     *COVID – 19 Situation in Sri Lanka*

It was discussed that we should maintain preventive measures strongly,
because of our neighbouring countries and many migrant workers returning to
the Island.  However, it was decided to issue a Statement to appreciate the
efforts of the Sri Lanka Government in controlling COVID-19.  Further, this
Statement emphasizes the Government ought to take measures to protect free
health services in the country.



2.     *Drugs Shortage in Government Hospitals and the High Prices of Drugs*



It was decided to collect reliable information and prepare an article to
commence an advocacy campaign.



3.     *Health Rights Campaign*



Hon. Minister of Health agreed to hold a meeting with other
parliamentarians to bring forth a Motion in the Parliament to include
health rights into the Sri Lanka Constitution.



4.     *Present Situation of Free Trade Zone Workers*



Some member organizations agreed to collect facts and figures about the
workers in the factories that have got affected by way of workers losing
their jobs and suffering pay cuts  so as  to protect their rights to secure
their employment.



5.     *Ministry of Women’s & Child Affairs *



In the past, there was a Cabinet Minister for Women’s & Child Affairs and
presently it has been amalgamated under a State Minister.  It was the view
of those present that this portfolio is not in the proper place.  Hence, it
was decided to appeal to the President of Sri Lanka to establish this
Ministry earliest.



*Prepared  by Sirimal Peiris*
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://phm.phmovement.org/pipermail/phm-exchange-phmovement.org/attachments/20200913/cfb08423/attachment.html>