MRI Director Dr. Jayaruwan replaced

Unaware why he was removed: Keheliya

The Health Ministry has removed Medical Research Institute (MRI) Director Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara from his post and appointed him MRI Deputy Director.

Cabinet spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday he was not aware of the sudden removal of Medical Research Institute (MRI) Director Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara but in case he was given marching orders, it would have been carried out on an administrative requirement of the Health Ministry.

He was also entrusted with the responsibility of observing laboratory affairs at the Airport.

Meanwhile, Dr. P.V.N. P. Amarasinghe was appointed as the new Director of the MRI. Responding to journalists at the weekly cabinet news briefing, the minister said the media always raised questions about procurement at state establishments.

“When the government takes steps to minimise misuse of state funds during procurement, the media questions the action taken to rectify the misdeeds,” he said.

The minister said journalists must ask the Health Minister whether there was any inquiry on the procurement of PCR test kits to the MRI when the media personnel asked whether it was proper to remove Dr. Bandara from his post at this critical juncture when the country was facing a big risk with the sudden escalation of the pandemic.

“If he has been removed from his post at the MRI, the Health Ministry may have thought his replacement was also critical in the fight against the virus,” the minister said.