Laboratory Services chief dismissed from position

Health Ministry Deputy Director General (Laboratory Services) Dr Ananda Jayalal has been removed from the post, Health Ministry Spokesman Dr Jayaruwan Bandara said.

He told Daily Mirror that Dr Jayalal had been replaced with Deputy Director General (Research & Training) Dr. R.M.S.K Rathnayake.

Earlier, Sri Lanka Association of Government Medical Laboratory Technologists (SLAGMLT) presented a document in writing to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa containing 16 reasons as to why Dr. Jayalal should be removed.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, Association President Ravi Kumudesh said the decision to remove the Deputy DG (Laboratory Services) has reportedly been made following their accusations levelled against Dr. Jayalal.

"Dr Ananda Jayalal is allegedly responsible for the collapse of the laboratory services in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country," he said.

“That’s why we thought of bringing the situation to the notice of President Gotabaya,” he added. ​(Sheain Fernandopulle)