As the impending retirement of Janaka Sri Chandragupta, the Secretary of the Health Ministry, is on the horizon, reports suggest that a fierce competition has emerged for the highly coveted post of Health Secretary within the Sri Lankan government.

The contest for the critical position has centered on two prominent candidates: Dr. Saman Ratnayake, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and Lakshmi Somathunga, who also holds the position of Additional Secretary. This rivalry has garnered attention as both candidates vie for the role, each bringing their unique qualifications and vision to the forefront.

Simultaneously, it has come to light that the current Health Secretary, Janaka Sri Chandragupta, is making efforts to extend his tenure in the position for an additional year. His decision to seek an extension has added another layer of complexity to the selection process.

Amid this competition, a group of doctors has proposed alternative candidates for the position of Health Secretary. Notable recommendations include the names of Dr. Anil Jasinghe, a former Director General of Health Services, who also served as the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, and Dr. Palitha Mahipala, a former Director General of Health Services. Their nominations suggest a desire for fresh leadership and expertise at the helm of the Health Ministry.

The decision regarding the next Health Secretary holds substantial importance, given the critical role the Health Ministry plays in shaping healthcare policies and managing the healthcare system in Sri Lanka.