Government Defends Retaining Key State Officials Amid Transition Period
By: Staff Writer
October 03, Colombo (LNW): The incumbent Government, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, justified its decision to retain key state officials despite earlier pre-election criticisms. Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath, during the new administration’s first post-Cabinet media briefing, explained that removing these officials before the formation of a new government could disrupt vital state functions.
Herath emphasized the importance of the roles held by Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, and Government Printer Gangani Liyanage, noting their involvement in essential state mechanisms.
Specifically, Dr. Weerasinghe and Siriwardana are overseeing the country’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, while Liyanage is responsible for managing the upcoming general elections, with her term ending in December 2024.
Responding to questions about whether retaining these officials indicated approval of their actions under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration, Herath clarified that the priority was maintaining stability during the transition period. He further explained that the number of ministries has been reduced from 28, and many secretaries have been retained to avoid unnecessary disruption.
Herath acknowledged allegations against certain ministry secretaries and public servants, stating that while no immediate legal action would be taken during the interim period, such cases may be revisited in the future. He assured that the government would make careful decisions regarding public officials, especially in relation to sensitive matters like the IMF program.
Additionally, Herath highlighted the Central Bank’s independent functioning, with its governor appointed through a separate system, justifying the decision to keep Dr. Weerasinghe in his role.
The three officials Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriawardana and Government Printer Gangani Liyanage are currently involved in managing some of the critical functions in the State mechanism. The Government has assessed how we should act during this period and we do not wish to change everything immediately and disrupt the State machinery,” he stressed.
Herath said the Central Bank Governor and Treasury Secretary are involved in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, whilst the Government Printer is responsible for the upcoming General election, adding that her extended term is in any case coming to an end by December 2024.
The Sri Lankan delegation set to visit Washington, D.C., will include the President’s economic advisers Duminda Hulangamuwa, Anil Fernando along with the Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana and the Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinge.
Among the key issues on the agenda is a framework agreement on International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs), which is in the final stage of negotiation.
“Despite claims by the previous Government that the ISB was finalised, it is still in its last phase of completion,” the Cabinet Spokesman said.
Herath said the delegation will also address domestic debt restructuring, following criticism and concerns about the current approach to managing the country’s debt.
