President appoints Experts Committee to advice control of COVID-19 and Dengue

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken steps to appoint an Experts Committee in line with the Cabinet Decision No.23/880/026 dated 22 May 2023 to provide guidance and to ensure timely decision-making for the control of the spread of COVID-19 and Dengue in the country. 

Health State Minister Dr. Seetha Arambepola has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Experts Committee. 

To support the Ministerial Committee in its objectives, the following experts and officials in the relevant fields have been appointed as members of the Experts Committee:

This Committee comprises of Health State Minister Dr. Seetha Arambepola as the Chairperson, and Ministry of Health Secretary S. Janaka Sri Chandraguptha, Local Government and Provincial Councils Additional Secretary M. Kodippiliarachchi, Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Public Health Services - I Deputy Director General Dr. S. M. Arnold, Epidemiology Unit Director Dr. Samitha Ginige, National Dengue Control Unit Director Dr. Nalin Ariyarathne, Senior Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Paediatrician Dr. Lakkumar Fernando, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine Prof. Neelika Malavige, and Consultant Physician Dr. Upul Dissanayake as members of this committee. 

In addition, Senior Assistant Secretary to the President Buddhika S. Gamage has been appointed as the Convener of the Committee.

To facilitate the work of the Experts Committee, nine Provincial Sub-committees have been established. These sub-committees will be chaired by the Chief Secretary of the relevant province and will include representatives from various key sectors such as education, fisheries, health, local government, and the Tri Forces. The involvement of these sub-committees aims to enhance collaboration and coordination at the provincial level in the fight against COVID-19 and Dengue.

Dr. Arambepola and the newly appointed committee members are expected to contribute their expertise and knowledge to develop effective strategies and policies to control the spread of these diseases and safeguard public health in the country.