President Ranil Wickremesinghe has established an Experts Committee

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has formed an Experts Committee, in accordance with a Cabinet Decision made on May 22, 2023, to oversee the management of Covid-19 and Dengue outbreaks in the country. Health State Minister Dr. Seetha Arambepola has been appointed as the Chairperson of the committee. 

 

 

Other members include Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Sri Chandraguptha, M. Kodippiliarachchi - Additional Secretary (Local Government and Provincial Councils), Dr. Asela Gunawardena - Director General of Health Services, Dr. S.M.Arnold - Deputy Director General (Public Health Services - I), Dr. Samitha Ginige - Director, Epidemiology Unit, Dr.Nalin Ariyarathne - Director, National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama - Senior Consultant Physician, Dr. Lakkumar Fernando – Pediatrician, Prof. Neelika Malavige - Professor, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, and Dr. Upul Dissanayake - Consultant Physician.

 

 

Furthermore, the Senior Assistant Secretary to the President, Buddhika S. Gamage, has been appointed as the Convener of the committee. To support the work of the Experts Committee, nine Provincial Subcommittees have been established. These sub-committees will be led by the Chief Secretary of each respective province and will include representatives from sectors such as education, fisheries, health, local government, and the Tri Forces. The formation of these sub-committees aims to foster collaboration and coordination at the provincial level in the battle against Covid-19 and Dengue.

 

 

Dr. Arambepola and the committee members are expected to utilize their expertise and knowledge to develop effective strategies and policies for controlling the spread of these diseases and safeguarding public health in the country.