The junior-most state minister in the Health Sector, Prof. Channa Jayasumana, was appointed the Acting Minister of Health in the absence of Cabinet Miniter Pavithra Wannniarachchi who was infected with COVID19.

Pharmaceuticals State Minister Jayasumana, a first-timer in Parliament, took oaths before President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as Acting Minister ealier today.

Many expressed surpise as to why Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, a Comminity Physician and a State Minister, was overlooked for the post. Fernandopulle is also the senior-most state minister in the health sector. Sisira Jayakody, a senior politician, is another state minister in the same sector.

Meanwhile, Minister Wanniarachchi, who was receiving treatment at IDH having been infected with COVID19, returned home today.

It is not yet clear as to when she will return to work after recovery.