In a recent development, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has appointed Senior Chemist D. D. Bulathsinhala as the Acting Chief Executive Officer. The announcement was made by Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Chairman of the NMRA, who revealed that the appointment was endorsed by the NMRA board members.
Dr. Wijewickrama clarified that while Bulathsinhala assumes the role of Acting CEO, a permanent appointment for the Chief Executive Officer position is anticipated in the future.
This change comes on the heels of the removal of Dr. Vijith Gunasekera from the position of Chief Executive Officer on Wednesday. Health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta, in a letter dated Tuesday, informed Dr. Gunasekera of his immediate transfer to the Health Ministry. The decision was purportedly made based on a resolution reached by the NMRA Board of Directors.
However, Dr. Wijewickrama revealed that the Health Secretary had initially sought written clarification from the Board of Directors regarding the necessity of Dr. Vijith Gunasekera’s services. In response, the Board communicated that, in order to restore trust in the NMRA, Dr. Gunasekera’s services were deemed no longer essential.
Allegations related to the importation of substandard medicines to the country have implicated the NMRA’s top officials, leading to a series of changes in leadership. Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama recently replaced the former NMRA Chairman. Additionally, the Health Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, was previously removed from his post.
Dr. Vijith Gunasekera, who was informed to step down earlier, reportedly resisted the decision. Furthermore, trade unions alleged his involvement in the destruction of sensitive documents at the NMRA. The reshuffling within the NMRA’s leadership is indicative of ongoing efforts to address concerns and enhance transparency within the regulatory authority.
