Information on the Free Medical Officers Association could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB.

However, the following information on the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) may be of interest.

The GMOA is a union that represents doctors practising in public hospitals (UPI 30 Apr. 1996). These doctors number approximately 4,000 of Sri Lanka's 4,500 "Western-qualified doctors" (Reuters 27 Feb. 1997).

The GMOA president is Dr. Ananda Samarasekera (UPI 30 Apr. 1996), and its assistant secretary is A.L. Fernando (Reuters 30 Apr. 1996).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Reuters. 27 February 1997. BC Cycle. "Doctors' Strike Hits Sri Lanka Hospitals." (NEXIS)

_____. 30 April 1996. BC Cycle. "Sri Lankan Hospitals Crippled by Doctors Strike." (NEXIS)

The United Press International (UPI). 30 April 1996. BC Cycle. "Sri Lankan Doctors Strike for Jobs." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 27 February 1997. BC Cycle. "Doctors' Strike Hits Sri Lanka Hospitals." (NEXIS)

_____. 30 April 1996. BC Cycle. "Sri Lankan Hospitals Crippled by Doctors Strike." (NEXIS)

The United Press International (UPI). 30 April 1996. BC Cycle. "Sri Lankan Doctors Strike for Jobs." (NEXIS)

Countries of the World and Their Leaders 1997. 1997.

The Europa World Year Book 1997. 1997.

The Far East and Australasia 1996. 1996.

International directory assistance, Colombo.

Sri Lanka: A Country Study. 1990.

Sri Lanka: A Travel Survival Kit. May 1993.

Sri Lanka Official Telephone Directory 1995. 1995.

Sri Lanka: State of Human Rights 1995. 19 July 1996.

Worldwide Government Directory with International Organizations 1996. 1996.

The Yearbook of International Organizations 1993/94. 1993.

Electronic sources: DIRB Databases, Internet, LEXIS/NEXIS.

Oral sources:

Two sources did not provide information on the requested subject.

Unsuccessful attempts to contact one other source.