By l vIJITHA In a significant move, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has removed its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Vijith Gunasekera, from his position. This decision follows a collective resolution taken by the NMRA board members.
Dr. Gunasekera’s removal comes amidst controversy surrounding the alleged importation of substandard human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) using forged documents. This incident led to travel bans being imposed on Dr. Gunasekera, the Supplies Division Director of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake, and the individual responsible for forging documents to facilitate the import of inferior-quality IVIG.
Furthermore, Dr. Gunasekera has been accused of destroying crucial documents at the NMRA, as asserted by the Society of Government Pharmacists. The Daily Mirror had earlier reported that the NMRA CEO was requested to step down, but he had declined to do so.
The NMRA, under the leadership of its former Chairman and CEO, Dr. Vijith Gunasekera, has faced a series of allegations regarding the influx of substandard medicines in recent times.
