Intense competition for new Health Secretary as incumbent’s term ends

• A group of ministry officials has proposed specialist Dr. Palitha Mahipala for the position   

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

 
The service period of Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta will end today due to retirement, leaving a vacant position that has sparked intense competition, Daily Mirror learns.   

Sources within the ministry indicate that Chandragupta will not be granted a service extension due to his alleged involvement in an illegal immunoglobulin injection deal, which has propelled his name to the top of the court’s list.  

In light of this situation, a notable competition has arisen for the role of Secretary of the Ministry of Health, according to sources.   

Among the contenders, a group of ministry officials has proposed specialist Dr. Palitha Mahipala as the most suitable candidate for the position. Dr. Mahipala previously served as the Director General of Health Services and faced occasional hindrance in the execution of his duties due to political interference, as reported.  The group of officials has emphasised to the Health Minister that Dr. Mahipala possesses the necessary skills and expertise to revive Sri Lanka’s health system, which has been marred by corruption and collapse. He has also gained a high position in the World Health Organisation after working abroad. 

 
Another potential candidate for the secretary post is Dr. Anil Jasinghe. However, reluctance to remove him from his current role as Secretary of the Ministry of Environment exists due to his involvement in several high-value projects, according to sources.   

As the as incumbent Secretary leaves office, stakeholders eagerly await the Health Minister’s decision on a new secretary, hoping for someone capable of addressing the current challenges and steering the health ministry in the right direction.