18 New Ministry Secretaries – Dr. Charitha Herath,Secretary, Media Ministry

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday handed over appointment letters to 18 Ministry Secretaries at Temple Trees. Accordingly Dr. Charitha Herath has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information.

The President handing over the letters of appoinments told the new Secretaries that they should work closely with the respective Minister and the officials to provide a better service to the public by solving their problems.  He said that a Ministry Secretary is the Head of all institutions under that particular ministry and should make his/her presence felt at the progress review meeting being held under the patronage of the Minister, and they should have a proper understanding of the grievances of the public.  The President also said that they should also provide their maximum service to the people and the country at large while safeguarding government policies.

The list of appointments is as follows -

Dr. Charitha Herath - Mass Media and Information

H.P.S Herath - Public Relations and Public Affairs

Anura Siriwardena - Industry and Commerce

Dr. Y.D. Nihal Jayatilleke - Health

Dr. P.R.C. Ruberu - Civil Aviation

W.N. Bandusena - Public Management  and Reforms

T.K.D. Amarawardena - Cooperatives and Internal Trade

U.R. Seneviratne - Productivity Promotion

Lalith Kannangara - Indigenous Medicine

W.A. Nihal Somaweera - Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development

Wasantha Senanayake - Art and Cultural Affairs

P.H.L.W. Perera - Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities

A.H. Jayawickrema - Sports

(Mrs) M.A. Emelda Sukumar - Social Services

P.H.J.B. Sugathadasa - Resettlement

R.A.A.K. Ranawaka - Local Government and Provincial Councils

M.K.B. Dissanayake - Buddhasashana and Religious Affairs

(Mrs) A.P.K.Perera -National Languages and Social integration .

Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, Cabinet Secretary Sumith Abeysinghe, Chief of Presidential Staff Gamini Senarath also attended the function.  (niz)