Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was appointed today (September 23) as Secretary to the President by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Dr. Kumanayake holds a PhD in Development Economics and has previously served as the Integrity Development Advisor at Sri Lanka Customs, focusing on research areas such as Corruption and Integrity in Customs, International Trade, and Development Economics.

He is an alumnus of the University of Kelaniya.

Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha has been appointed as the new Secretary of Defence of Sri Lanka.

The previous government had blacklisted retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha for his involvement with the National People’s Power (NPP).

Sampath Thuyacontha is a decorated pilot of the 09 Mi 24 attack helicopter squadron during Sri Lanka’s civil war.

Secretary to Ministry of Public Security appointed.

Former Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security. He headed the retired Police collective of NPP.

Interim Cabinet!

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will appoint an interim cabinet tomorrow.

With Parliament expected to be dissolved soon, targeting elections at the end of November, the new cabinet is expected to remain in office until a new Parliament convenes with newly elected MPs.

Currently, Vijitha Herath and Harini Amarasuriya & Laxman Nipunarachchi, who replacement for vacated seat by Anura Kumara Dissanayake are the only NPP MPs in Parliament.

It remains unclear whether the NPP will initially govern with a four-member cabinet, which includes President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, or if the cabinet will expand.