Dr. Saveen Semage has been reinstated as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). Dr. Semage, who previously held the position from November 2021 to May 2022, resigned during his earlier tenure, citing disputes with the then President of the College of Medical Laboratory Science, Ravi Kumudesh.
His resignation came amidst accusations from Kumudesh, who pointed fingers at the NMRA for the drug shortage crisis at the time. However, in a surprising turn of events, Dr. Semage has been reappointed to lead the NMRA by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, in a decision announced on Tuesday, January 9.
This reinstatement marks Dr. Semage's return to a pivotal role in healthcare regulation, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his resignation and the subsequent change in leadership.
In a related development, it has been reported that M. A. Gunasiri is poised to be reappointed as the Commissioner General of the Excise Department. This decision comes following the Cabinet's resolution to remove Saman Jayasinghe from the position, bringing further changes in key governmental appointments.
