Prof. Channa Jayasumana was elected as the Chair of the newly established Caucus of Medical Parliamentarians Sri Lanka during its inaugural meeting held in Parliament on 25.04.2024. Prof. Jayasumana’s name was proposed by Member of Parliament Dr. Upul Galappatti and seconded by Dr. Sudarshanee Fernandopulle.
Also, Member of Parliament Dr. Rajitha Senaratne and Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana were elected as patrons of the Caucus and Dr. Sudarshanee Fernandopulle and Dr. Kavinda Jayawardena were elected as deputy co-chairs of the caucus. Dr. Tilak Rajapakse and Dr. Upul Galappatti were also elected as co-conveners of the caucus.
Addressing the meeting, Prof. Channa Jayasumana, the newly elected Chair of the Caucus of Medical Parliamentarians Sri Lanka, pointed out that he hopes to strengthen relations with the Association of Medical Parliamentarians affiliated to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medical Parliamentarians of India. Also, the new chair who commended the role of current health minister, said that he is happy that a medical doctor has been appointed to that position.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, who spoke at the gathering, said that, regardless of party politics, this caucus can be intervened for the improvement of the health sector in Sri Lanka, where there is a free health service. He also pointed that it is expected to further increase the amount allocated in the budget for the health sector of the country, which is among the countries that provide the best health services in the world.
Members of Parliament Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Dr. Sudarshanee Fernandopulle, Dr. Upul Galappatti, Dr. Kavinda Jayawardene and Dr. Tilak Rajapaksa also expressed their views at the meeting. Also, the Director Legislative Services of Parliament (Acting) Mr. Jayalath Perera and a group of officials were also present at the meeting.
