Sri Lanka removes top health bureaucrat amid coronavirus crisis

 In a major ministrative reshuffle, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday removed health secretary Bhrani Jayawardena with immediate effect and appointed a military ministrator with a background in medicine in her place.

reason for Jayawardena's removal is t kwn. Her removal came amid easing of nearly two-month coronavirus lockdown in island nation.

Major General Sanjeewa Munasinghe has replaced Jayawardena, who has been transferred to Ministry of Internal Tre and Consumer Affairs in same capacity, officials said.

Before assuming his current position, Munasinghe was serving as Director-General of Army Medical Services. He is also a former Colonel Commandant of Army Medical Corps.

Meanwhile, President Rajapaksa ordered easing of lockdown, which was in force since March 20 to combat spre of coronavirus.

dely virus has claimed nine lives and infected 863 people in nation.

A 24-hour curfew was lifted on island, except for Colombo district.

state and private sector offices were asked to follow strict health guidelines under quarantine ordinance.

public transport operation was less than rmal on Monday.