As the service period of Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta ends today due to his retirement, Dr. Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala is tipped to be the next Health Secretary.

The Daily Mirror reported earlier that an intense competition has emerged among several contenders to be the next secretary. Dr. Palitha Mahipala was one of the contenders.

According to informed sources, Dr. Mahipala is to assume duties as the new Health Secretary on Monday (20).

Dr. Mahipala previously served as the Director General of Health Services. He was also appointed WHO Representative in Pakistan in April 2019.