08/11/2025
Discussion on Internship & Systemic Issues of Indigenous Medical Graduates
At present, around 500–750 graduates are produced annually from the four main institutions that confer degrees in the Indigenous Medical field in Sri Lanka. However, due to the limited availability of internship placements, many students are unable to commence their compulsory internship training on time, resulting in significant inconvenience and delays in their professional progression.
In light of this issue, a discussion was held on 06th November 2025 at the Ministry of Health with the participation of Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa (Minister of Health), Hon. Madhura Senevirathne (Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education), officials of the University Grants Commission, the Department of Ayurveda, Deans of Indigenous Medical Faculties, and other responsible officials from the education and health sectors, together with IUSF Sri Lanka & All Student Unions of Indigenous Medical Faculties.
During the discussion, several important decisions were reached:
▪️Internship for Pending Graduates:
It was agreed to commence the internship training for the 404 students who have not yet received placements, by February 2026. Students also emphasized the need to increase the annual intake for internship training, to which the Minister instructed relevant officials to take immediate measures to expand capacity in the coming years.
▪️Temporary Registration Numbers:
Currently, students do not receive a registration number until they complete the internship, even after finishing the five-year university degree. The Minister agreed to discuss with the Ayurveda Medical Council the possibility of issuing temporary registration numbers until the completion of internship training.
▪️Skill List and Common Examination:
Concerns were raised regarding issues in the current skill-based selection list used for internship allocation. It was agreed to introduce a common examination paper for all Indigenous Medical Faculties to ensure a fair and standardized skill assessment system.
▪️Faculty and Hospital Development:
The Minister also agreed to allocate funds urgently for the establishment of a professorial unit and the development of hospital facilities at the Faculty of Siddha Medicine, Trincomalee Campus.
▪️Internship Supervision Policy Revision:
We highlighted the ongoing issue of the shortage of Grade I Medical Officers eligible to supervise interns. It was proposed that experienced Grade II Medical Officers with more than four years of service should also be permitted to act as supervisors. The officials responded positively and agreed to consider this revision to ensure smooth internship operations.
▪️Proposal for Reliever House Officer (RHO) Post
We further proposed the creation of a Reliever House Officer (RHO) post for post-intern graduates to provide continuous clinical training and temporary employment opportunities. The officials acknowledged this proposal and agreed to explore its feasibility for future implementation.
Until the decisions made in this discussion are officially implemented, we, as the Students’ Union of the Faculty of Siddha Medicine, Trincomalee Campus, will continue to closely monitor and follow up on the progress of these matters.
Students’ Union
Faculty of Siddha Medicine
Trincomalee Campus
Eastern University, Sri Lanka
