Sri Lankan wildlife veterinary officers have continued their work-to-rule trade union action for over two months, with the government attempting to fill service gaps using defence ministry veterinarians while refusing to address the workers' demands.

Wildlife veterinary officers in Sri Lanka have maintained their ongoing work-to-rule trade union action that began on June 1st, as negotiations with the Ministry of Environment remain stalled. According to the Wildlife and Zoo Veterinary Officers' Association, the industrial action has now lasted more than two and a half months without resolution of the workers' core grievances.

The veterinary officers are demanding several workplace improvements, including payment of an additional service allowance, implementation of a risk allowance, and the formal establishment of procedures governing work on holidays and weekends. These demands reflect concerns about compensation levels and the terms under which staff are required to work outside regular hours.

In response to the reduced service capacity created by the work-to-rule action, the Ministry of Environment has reportedly begun securing support from veterinary officers attached to the Ministry of Defence to manage emergency situations. This move suggests the government is attempting to maintain critical wildlife and zoo operations despite the ongoing industrial dispute.

Dr. Nihal Pushpakumara, president of the Wildlife and Zoo Veterinary Officers' Association, stated that authorities have failed to provide meaningful responses to their grievances. He confirmed that the trade union action will continue unless the workers' demands are addressed, indicating that both sides remain at an impasse with no immediate resolution in sight.