The Minister of Law and Order and Prison Reform has decided to remove National Dangerous Drugs Control Board Chairman Dr. Nilanga Samarasinghe, who led a campaign to prevent nominations being given to those who had allegations of drug related offences.

Retired DIG H.M. Sirisena Herath was appointed to replace Dr. Samarasinghe. He was notified of the removal through a fax he received after he returned to office following a visit to India.

Samarasinghe told media that he was opposed to the removal as there was no allegation on any wrongdoing against him. He also recalled that he had faced threats during the past months over his revelations on politicians.

He had complained of death threats during the recent general election campaign. No arrests have been made over the alleged incidents.

Tilak Marapana, who has been at the receiving end over the police attack on HNDA students and the handling of the Avant-Garde case, is the Minister of Law and Order and Prison Reforms.