Hospitals have been instructed to postpone surgeries which are not of an urgent or essential nature on the advice of medical specialists.
The Health Ministry has taken the step in view of the prevailing shortage of medicines and equipment.
Around 140 varieties of medicine are in short supply.
Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said urgent and essential surgeries would continue without any delay.
Criticizing the move, the GMOA alleged it would endanger the lives of patients.
