By: Adolf
October 10, Colombo (LNW): This week, President Anura Kumara appointed Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Duminda Hulangamuwa, as Senior Consultant on Economic Affairs and Finance.
Since this appointment does not come with a direct cost to taxpayers, there’s little reason for public complaint. However, Hulangamuwa’s new position gives him significant influence within the government, likely benefiting his accounting practice and business ventures—a situation acceptable in Sri Lanka as long as such interests are disclosed.
What has raised eyebrows among professionals, however, is Hulangamuwa’s reputation as a “man for all seasons.” It’s well-known that he was the tax adviser to PB Jayasundara, whose policies, including the removal of PAYE tax and lowering tax rates, contributed to Sri Lanka’s economic downfall in 2021. The Gotabaya administration had to reinstate PAYE due to financial pressures.
After Gotabaya’s ousting, Hulangamuwa aligned himself with Ranil Wickremesinghe, frequently appearing alongside the former President. He played a key role in driving SOE restructuring and economic transformations under Wickremesinghe’s leadership.
Given Ranil’s political acumen, many were surprised to see Hulangamuwa now appointed as a senior economic adviser to Anura Kumara. Some even speculate that he was writing speeches for the new President in the final weeks of the campaign while simultaneously engaging with both the SJB and Wickremesinghe.
This dual allegiance and ability to adapt across political shifts have made Hulangamuwa a subject of both intrigue and skepticism. As Machiavelli once said “human beings are wretched creatures, governed only by the law of their own self-interest”.
