November 26, Colombo (LNW): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has notified the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) that failure to submit the tariff revision proposal by December 6 will result in concessions for consumers under the existing charge structure.
This announcement comes after the CEB requested a two-week extension to finalize the proposal. The PUCSL, in a statement, emphasized the need for immediate consumer relief and highlighted repeated delays by the CEB, noting that extensions had already been granted twice, causing a one-month postponement.
The Commission underscored the importance of adhering to the deadline, stating that further delays would directly benefit consumers through reduced charges.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasises reinforcing institutional frameworks alone is inadequate for effective disaster management: stresses the importance of creating grassroots-level solutions and empowering local governments to prevent disasters in vulnerable areas: also highlights the need for effective implementation of disaster management laws and reducing financial burdens through enforcement, while supporting officials who perform their duties with integrity.
Fort Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali orders the CID to release former MP Sujeewa Senasinghe’s luxury SUV after confirming it was lawfully imported: The CID had raised doubts about signatures on forms related to the vehicle’s importation, but no formal complaints were made: The vehicle, valued at Rs 100 million, was released on a Rs 100 million bond, with the case postponed to February 2025.
Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan apologises for unintentionally sitting in the Leader of the Opposition’s seat during the Tenth Parliament’s inaugural session: Explaining his actions at a workshop for newly elected MPs, he clarifies he was unaware of seating protocols, having been told to sit anywhere: expresses regret for the misunderstanding and apologises for any confusion caused by the incident, which gained media attention.
The Public Day of the Industries Ministry, re-launched by subject Minister Sunil Handunnetti after four years, will now be held every Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: During this time, the public can meet the Minister, Ministry Secretary, and officials to address concerns: The event saw participation from various industrialists and entrepreneurs, with immediate solutions provided for some issues, and others referred for further action.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approves a $200 million loan to enhance Sri Lanka’s power sector, focusing on improving transmission and distribution networks, and integrating renewable energy: The project aims to reduce power interruptions, minimise transmission losses, and support Sri Lanka’s goal of generating 70% of electricity from renewables by 2030: It includes infrastructure upgrades, battery storage, and digitalisation solutions to boost energy efficiency and climate resilience.
The Mount Lavinia Hotel responds to social media criticism regarding top NPP members attending an ABBA tribute show, clarifying that the dignitaries, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, were invited guests: The hotel emphasised their roles in supporting tourism and expressed pride in hosting the event to promote Sri Lanka’s appeal to both local and international visitors: The “Music of ABBA” show demonstrated songs originally performed by Swedish pop royals ABBA, covered by tribute band “ARRIVAL” from Sweden.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry announces the rescue of 32 nationals, victims of human trafficking, from Myanmar: The individuals were lured into cybercrime operations before being trafficked: The government coordinated with Myanmar, Thailand, and the IOM for their repatriation: The Ministry urged Sri Lankans to follow authorised procedures for overseas employment to avoid such exploitation.
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is still conducting due diligence on a $553 million loan for a Sri Lankan port project backed by the Adani Group, following bribery allegations against its founder Gautam Adani: The loan decision has not been finalised, as the DFC ensures the project meets its standards: The allegations have already impacted other Adani Group contracts in Kenya and Australia.
Newly appointed Deputy Minister of Industry Chathuranga Abeysinghe announces plans to increase the country’s exports from $12 billion in industry and $5 billion in services to $35 billion by 2030: emphasises the importance of revitalising the industrial sector for economic stability and targeted a 6.5% GDP growth through strategic interventions.
The Sri Lanka Army Inter-Regiment Novice Kabaddi Championship 2024 was held on November 21-22 at the Panagoda Indoor Stadium, with 108 players from 12 regiments: The Corps of Engineer Services triumphed as champions after a thrilling final against the Sri Lanka Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, who finished as runners-up: Major General A.M.K.G. Priyantha Satya Kumara Abeysinghe awarded the prizes.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasized that simply reinforcing institutional frameworks is insufficient for effective disaster management. The President stressed the need to establish mechanisms to deliver practical solutions at the grassroots level, the President’s Media Division (PMD) stated in a statement.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that in order to restore the Parliament as a supreme institution, which has faced public scorn and disapproval in the past, the Parliamentarians must act with the awareness that they are the representatives of the people. The Prime Minister made these remarks during the inaugural session of the awareness workshop on parliamentary procedures for new members of the Tenth Parliament.
The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for heavy rains in several areas, effective until 04.00 pm tomorrow, due to the low-pressure area over the South-East Bay of Bengal. The low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression over the central-southwest Bay of Bengal this morning, moving to about 530 km southeast of Trincomalee.
Gampaha District Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harshana Rajakaruna says that the SJB is ready to join together with the United National Party (UNP), if former President Ranil Wickremesinghe will allow Sajith Premadasa to take over the leadership. Furthermore, the Gampaha District MP called on all right-wing political forces to join with the SJB.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to upgrade Sri Lanka’s power sector infrastructure, enhancing the reliability of transmission and distribution networks and facilitating greater integration of renewable energy.
The General Secretary of the Ceylon Electricity Employees’ Union, Ranjan Jayalal, has responded to criticism regarding the union’s request for the CEB management to pay bonuses to employees. “Our request to pay bonuses to employees has been portrayed as a big sin in the media. We must remind everyone that we are a trade union representing the government,” he said.
Newly elected Jaffna District MP Dr. Archchuna Ramanathan has apologized for his actions during the inaugural session of the new Parliament last week. “I would like to publicly apologize if I have done anything wrong in that manner. I’m really sorry. I was not hoping to sit in that chair and make trouble. Unfortunately it was an accident,” the MP said participating in the orientation programme for newly elected Parliamentarians.
Thirty-two (32) Sri Lankan nationals who were victims of human trafficking and stranded in Myanmar have been rescued on 25 November following a successful, coordinated process. The rescued Sri Lankans had been lured into cybercrime operations and became victims of human trafficking.The Government of Sri Lanka will coordinate with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for their early repatriation to Sri Lanka.
The Ministry of Education has announced that it will take necessary steps to inform the Supreme Court of the government’s stance on the scholarship examination, on the 2nd December. A senior official of the ministry stated that the government’s stance will be based on the recommendations from three committees that investigated the leak of exam questions.
The promising all rounder Vihas Thevmika of Thurstan College will lead the Sri Lanka Under 19 squad for ACC Men’s under 19 Asia Cup which will kick off on November 29th in UAE . This tournament will be hosted by Dubai and Sharjah.
November 26, Colombo (LNW): The Depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal was located approximately 290 km southeast of Batticaloa and 410 km southeast of Trincomalee as of 11:30 PM on November 25, 2024. It is expected to move northwestward, intensify into a deep depression within the next 12 hours, and approach the eastern coast of Sri Lanka.
Cloudy skies are forecast across the island due to this system, with very heavy showers and strong winds anticipated in the Northern, Eastern, Uva, and Central provinces.
Rainfall exceeding 150 mm is likely in Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Central, Uva, and Southern provinces, as well as the Puttalam district. Elsewhere, heavy showers above 100 mm are expected.
Strong winds of 40-50 km/h may occur over Northern, North-Central, Central, and Eastern provinces and in the Hambantota district. Residents are advised to exercise caution and stay updated on weather warnings.
I happened to read a meaningful opinion published in the Ethiopian paper “Capitol” regarding the IMF programme for Ethiopia. (Read the article here).The article is reproduced below for easy reference.
The design of IMF programes for all countries hit by foreign currency crises is almost same except the popular economic numbers of respective countries.
The reason for the same design is the IMF’s peculiar approach to the macroeconomic management of countries as highlighted below.
The IMF believes that all economic ills under the sun and moon are because of the excessive budget deficit and debt.
Accordingly, inflation, high interest rates, BOP deficit, currency depreciation, low growth and business investment and debt unsustainability are all direct results of the continuing budget deficit.
Therefore, the IMF stabilization program has five essential elements.
A medium-term loan to boost the foreign currency reserve for the time being.
Conditions imposed on cutting the budget deficit and debt and divesting state enterprises.
Tighten the monetary policy by raising interest rates and separating the inflation targeted money printing from the government.
Coordinate the IMF foreign currency network of World Bank Group and financial markets to infuse foreign currency investments into the countries.
The newest element is the debt restructuring under the supervision of international financial experts.
The new IMF socialist slogan is the protection of the poor and vulnerable population which country goverments have been taking care of throughout the history.
Therefore, the IMF approach to the macroeconomic management for the stability/stabilization is the significant downsize of the government to allow the private sector and markets to drive economic activities, a revised script to Adam Smith.
Therefore, the IMF never looks at the deep structures of country economies and societies and their specific differences. Instead, it sits on the same set of macro and sectoral economic numbers produced by central banks and directs the policy prescriptions of the same diagnosis and design with eyes closed. The IMF staffs are generally passed out economists without first-hand experience in policy management in countries. Therefore, any improvement to economic numbers of countries in the IMF program is totally credited to the IMF program without any research.
The fundamental defect in the IMF approach to the macroeconomy is the use of central government budget/finance deficit as the origin of all macroeconomic risks. However, the macroeconomy in modern monetary economies is constructed and operates on the sovereign/state balance sheet and income statement that spread nerves across all sectors and units of the economy. The IMF does not have relevant statistics on its country files. Therefore, the macroeconomic diagnosis just based on central government budget deficit and debt is grossly incorrect and inappropriate. In that context, IMF stabilization programmes heavily disrupt the economies and living standards as they disconnect historically prevailing economic flows between the state sector and the private sector. Therefore, the IMF is not a treasure to be preserved at the sacrifice of the livings standards dependent on the state.
Therefore, IMF programmes have no success stories in stabilizing crisis-hit economies in recent decades other than proving a dollar breathing space to country leaders to survive for the time being. Instead of country stabilization, the IMF has been the way of life of political leaders to survive for the time being in the dollarized macroeconomic link. The Ethiopian case given below is seen to be another likely failure of the IMF program in years ahead.
Article reproduced
What’s Wrong with the IMF’s Approach to Ethiopia?
By Kebour Ghenna
November 23, 2024
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently gave Ethiopia a pat on the back, praising its economic reforms and tighter monetary policies. But let’s take a closer look—this isn’t the shiny success story it’s made out to be. In fact, it feels a bit like cheering for a marathon runner who’s barely made it past the first mile and is limping already.
First, the exchange rate gap. Yes, the IMF applauds Ethiopia for narrowing the gap between the official and black-market rates, but let’s not pop the champagne just yet. What’s really happened? The official rate is sliding toward the black-market rate, yet a gap of 12-15% remains. It’s like patching a leaky boat with duct tape—it’s still taking on water. Can this really be considered “fixing” the economy? Businesses struggling to access foreign currency would certainly disagree.
Then there’s the talk about “better management of the economy and improving the business environment.” Seriously? Tell that to the entrepreneurs grappling with inflation, dwindling purchasing power, and red tape that could stretch to the moon. Statements like this might look good on IMF stationery, but they’re not fooling the people living with the consequences.
A particularly troubling aspect of the IMF’s assessment is its praise for Ethiopia’s tight monetary policies. While controlling inflation and reducing central bank borrowing are important, these measures risk pushing the country into austerity at a time when growth is desperately needed. Ethiopia’s economy requires robust public investment, especially in infrastructure and agriculture, to create jobs and reduce poverty. Tight money policies could stifle this growth, further exacerbating economic challenges.
Most glaringly, the IMF fails to address Ethiopia’s ongoing security crises in the Amhara and Oromia regions. These regions are among the most agriculturally productive in the country, yet they are mired in escalating violence and instability. The conflict not only disrupts livelihoods but also undermines the very foundation of economic growth and food security. It is puzzling, if not outright negligent, that the IMF overlooks these significant factors in its analysis.
So, what’s wrong with the IMF? Its approach appears overly focused on technical economic indicators, sidelining the broader socio-political context that directly impacts economic performance. By ignoring the severe security issues and the lived realities of businesses and citizens, the IMF risks promoting policies that may look good on paper but fail to address Ethiopia’s core challenges. A more nuanced, inclusive, and grounded approach is urgently needed to truly support Ethiopia’s recovery and growth.
Concluding remarks
This article is a layman eye-opener on the urgent need to
substantially amend or disconnect the IMF-based macroeconomic management model of struggling countries like Sri Lanka and the dollarized IMF network and
redesign the management models to suit the country resources and societal needs and fundamentals,
if the country leaders are interested in driving respective national economies for long-term development of living standards of generations in place of their private short-term agendas.
However, there is no sign of any country leaders having the courage and skills to move in that direction.
I am surprised how top macroeconomists of these countries behave like IMF data clerks who state that the IMF approach is the only option to save the countries from the chronic foreign currency nerve blockages lingering for decades. They have no idea of finding treasures from resources of the country to clean up such nerve blockages. Therefore, they are just L-board economists.
(This article is released in the interest of participating in the professional dialogue to find out solutions to present economic crisis confronted by the general public consequent to the global Corona pandemic, subsequent economic disruptions and shocks both local and global and policy failures. All are personal views of the author based on his research in the subject of Economics which have no intension to personally or maliciously discredit characters of any individuals.)
P Samarasiri
Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka
(Former Director of Bank Supervision, Assistant Governor, Secretary to the Monetary Board and Compliance Officer of the Central Bank, Former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Board and Credit Information Bureau, Former Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka, Former Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Insurance Regulatory Commission and the Author of 13 Economics and Banking Books and a large number of articles published.)
November 25, Colombo (LNW): The George Keyt Foundation is embarking on a groundbreaking collaboration with Sotheby’s International, one of the world’s premier auction houses, to host Sri Lanka’s first-ever Sotheby’s auction.
This milestone event will showcase and sell works by local Sri Lankan artists in a unique charity auction.
Taking place from December 7-9 at Cinnamon Life in Colombo, the three-day event offers an exceptional opportunity to present Sri Lankan art on an international stage, reflecting the increasing global interest in the country’s artistic talents.
Sotheby’s Director and Co-Worldwide Head of Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art, Ishrat Kanga, will lead the event.
The festivities will begin on December 7 with a preview and an opening night, followed by an interactive session on December 8.
In this session, Kanga will share valuable insights with emerging Sri Lankan artists and art students, helping them enhance their careers and understand international market trends.
The event, open to the public with pre-registration, will include an exclusive dinner where Kanga will discuss the growth of art as an investment asset and the importance of fostering a creative economy.
The main auction will take place on December 9, uniting art collectors, investors, and enthusiasts to support the George Keyt Foundation’s initiatives.
The charity auction will feature around 40 carefully chosen pieces by Sri Lankan artists, providing a rare chance for collectors and art lovers to acquire exceptional works while supporting the Foundation’s ongoing projects.
These include the restoration of the Gothami Viharaya murals, the creation of a catalogue raisonné of George Keyt’s works, the production of a documentary on his life and art, and the continuation of key initiatives such as ‘Kala Pola’ and the Artist of the Year program.
Malaka Talwatte, Chairperson of the George Keyt Foundation, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This auction represents a landmark moment for Sri Lankan art.
Partnering with Sotheby’s opens new doors for local artists and gives them a global platform to showcase their work.” He added,
“The event not only celebrates Sri Lankan art but also contributes to preserving our cultural heritage. The Foundation is dedicated to democratizing the art space in Sri Lanka and honoring George Keyt’s legacy.”
The event is made possible by Platinum sponsor Cinnamon Life and Co-sponsor Nations Trust Bank, with support from Colombo Jewellery Stores, MA Lanka, Rockland, and Calcey.
November 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to consolidate its tourism-related agencies by forming a Tourism Commission, a move aimed at further boosting the thriving sector, according to the island’s Foreign and Tourism Minister.
Speaking to reporters in Kandy, Minister Vijitha Herath announced, “We plan to combine the agencies within the Tourism Ministry and appoint a Commission. Through a merger of agencies, we aim to revive the sector.”
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), which was established in 2005 to replace the former Sri Lanka Tourist Board, is currently the primary agency overseeing tourism. The SLTDA manages several branches, including:
Tourism Promotion Bureau: Handles marketing and promotion efforts.Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management: Focuses on human resource development within the sector and operates the Hotels School.
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau: A statutory body run by an independent Board of Management that oversees conventions.
The Ministry of Tourism also includes the Tourist Police Unit, with branches located in Colombo, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy.
Additionally, the Inter-Ministry Tourism Steering Committee (ITSC), an agency operating out of the President’s Office, aids in implementing strategic plans for tourism.
Minister Herath noted that tourism stands out from other export sectors due to its potential for rapid recovery and immediate gains. He also mentioned that the National People’s Power party has a comprehensive plan for the tourism sector, with initiatives expected to launch next year.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is showing positive momentum, recording 120,961 tourist arrivals in the first 20 days of November.
This figure represents a 17% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2023. So far this year, over 1.74 million visitors have traveled to Sri Lanka, bringing the nation closer to its goal of two million arrivals by the end of the year.
The average number of daily arrivals in November stands at 6,048, a 17% rise from the October average of 5,170 per day. To achieve the November target of 198,069 arrivals, the country needs an average of 7,711 tourists daily for the rest of the month.
India remains Sri Lanka’s largest source of tourists, with 26,717 visitors in the first 20 days of November. It is followed by Russia with 20,157, Germany with 9,444, the UK with 7,715, and Australia with 4,762. On a year-to-date basis, India continues to lead with 349,690 arrivals, followed by Russia (157,756) and the UK (154,385).
The return of charter flights including services by Red Wings, Enter Air, Edelweiss and Air Azur is expected to support further growth through the winter season which ends in March 2025. These charters provide vital direct connectivity particularly for Eastern European travellers.
Adding to the momentum, Jetstar launched its Colombo-Singapore direct route positioning itself as the only low-cost carrier (LCC) connecting the two cities.
With the peak winter season underway, industry champions are optimistic that the country will surpass its targets.
November 25, Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic future as the country prepares for its 2025 Budget under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration.
The budget is seen as a pivotal test of the government’s ability to maintain economic stability while the nation recovers from a severe economic crisis.
The IMF’s focus is on fiscal discipline and reform to ensure long-term economic health, with special attention to macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability.
Emphasis on Fiscal Responsibility and Tax Reforms
The IMF has emphasized the importance of prudent fiscal policies to ensure that the 2025 Budget aligns with their program’s objectives.
According to Peter Breuer, the IMF’s Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, it is crucial for the government to focus on increasing revenue while exercising spending restraint.
The IMF has recommended continuing with tax reforms to improve compliance and to avoid introducing new tax exemptions, which could lead to revenue loss and corruption risks.
These changes aim to build fiscal buffers that can support social programs and aid vulnerable groups.
The reforms also seek to make the tax system fairer, with the burden distributed based on the taxpayer’s ability to pay.
This equitable approach will help balance the budget while preserving social stability. Programs like Aswesuma, which are designed to support the most disadvantaged, will play a critical role in maintaining social equity as the country reforms its tax administration.
Revenue Growth and Controlling Expenditures
Sri Lanka’s financial data from January to September 2024 shows promising progress. Tax revenues have risen by 39%, totaling 2,918.3 billion rupees compared to the same period the previous year, aligning closely with the budget’s target of a 40% increase.
Non-tax revenues also grew by 30%, reaching 229.7 billion rupees. While overall current spending rose slightly by 3%, it remained controlled, supported by a stable interest rate environment and a strengthening currency.
Total revenues now account for 9.3% of GDP, up from 7.6% the previous year, moving closer to the government’s goal of 13% for the fiscal year.
Lower Budget Deficit and Increased Capital Investment
The budget deficit has seen a dramatic reduction, decreasing by 58% to 516.3 billion rupees, or 1.6% of the projected GDP. Capital expenditure rose by 14%, reaching 463.2 billion rupees as Sri Lanka seeks to improve its infrastructure and exit financial default.
Despite increased capital spending, interest costs have remained steady, rising by only 1% due to deflationary policies that have kept Treasury yields low. The primary balance, excluding interest payments, showed a surplus of 784.9 billion rupees, a significant leap from the previous year’s 123.8 billion rupees.
Debt Reduction and Recovery Path
Sri Lanka’s government debt has declined, dropping to 91.6% of the projected GDP by September 2024 from 100.6% the year before. Foreign debt also saw a reduction, attributed to a stronger Sri Lankan rupee and foreign debt repayments.
Total government expenditure relative to GDP fell from 13.5% to 12.4%, despite a nominal 4% increase in spending, indicating effective fiscal management.
These trends reflect the benefits of current monetary policies, which have stabilized the economy without causing inflationary pressures.
Outlook for a Sustainable Future
The IMF has praised the Sri Lankan government’s adherence to the reform program, emphasizing that consistent efforts are needed for continued recovery.
While economic stability has improved, the challenge remains to balance the budget while ensuring support reaches the most vulnerable populations.
The IMF has called for targeted social spending to address these needs effectively.
As Sri Lanka moves forward with the 2025 Budget, the international community, particularly the IMF, is closely monitoring the country’s progress.
The focus on economic reform, fiscal discipline, and social equity will be key factors in determining whether Sri Lanka can continue on a path of recovery and long-term prosperity.
November 25, Colombo (LNW): The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced it is reviewing potential impacts from bribery allegations against Gautam Adani, founder of India’s Adani Group, on a previously approved $553 million loan for a Sri Lankan port project.
This project, located in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, is partially owned by the Adani Group and aims to enhance U.S. influence in the region, counterbalancing China’s presence.
The review comes after U.S. federal prosecutors in New York indicted Gautam Adani and seven associates.
They were accused of orchestrating a $265 billion bribery scheme, allegedly paying Indian officials to secure contracts, including a significant solar power project expected to generate $2 billion in profits over the next two decades.
Sri Lankan experts have expressed concern over the allegations. Nishan De Mel, Executive Director of the Colombo-based think tank Verité Research, emphasized the need for increased vigilance against corruption in Sri Lanka.
De Mel highlighted past corruption cases, such as the investigation into Sri Lankan Airlines’ aircraft purchases from Airbus and revelations from the Pandora Papers implicating local figures.
He urged the country to strengthen anti-corruption measures to avoid entanglement in corrupt dealings.
The DFC, which announced its intention to support the Adani Group’s port terminal project in 2023, has clarified that no final loan agreement has been signed.
An official from the agency stressed that ongoing due diligence will determine whether the project meets its stringent requirements.
The DFC also noted that the bribery charges do not directly involve the Adani subsidiary associated with the Sri Lankan port development.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is assessing Adani Group’s proposed wind power projects. The government is expected to review the financial and environmental feasibility of these projects in the coming weeks, according to a representative from the Ceylon Electricity Board.
The Adani Group has denied the bribery allegations and is seeking legal action to contest the charges.
Nonetheless, the controversy raises questions about the company’s business practices and casts a shadow over international partnerships linked to its projects.
The scrutiny from the U.S. agency underscores the importance of ethical standards in global infrastructure investments, especially in regions where major projects intersect with geopolitical interests.
November 25, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed two experienced professionals to lead crucial ministries in his administration.
The announcements were made public by the President’s Media Division (PMD), highlighting the appointments of two distinguished individuals to key positions.
The official appointment letters were presented today (25) at a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat, where Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, handed over the documents.
President’s Counsel Ayesha Jinasena, a well-respected legal expert, has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration.
With her extensive background in law and governance, Jinasena is expected to bring valuable expertise to her role, focusing on the legal framework of the nation and promoting national unity.
In another key move, Ms. Malarmathi Gangadharan has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment.
Her appointment signals the government’s commitment to addressing rural development and social welfare, with Gangadharan set to spearhead initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of rural communities and advancing social security measures.
