President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in a strategic move to steer Sri Lanka through critical economic and governance challenges, has retained the powerful portfolios of Defence, Finance and Economic Development, and Digital Economy in the newly formed cabinet. This significant announcement comes as the new cabinet of 22 ministers was sworn in this morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
The meticulously selected team reflects a blend of experience, expertise, and a focus on reform, aimed at addressing the nation’s pressing issues while positioning Sri Lanka for sustainable growth.
The newly appointed ministers, representing a mix of seasoned politicians and technocrats, were tasked with managing some of the most crucial sectors in the country. President Dissanayake emphasized his vision for a cohesive team that would prioritize economic recovery, national security, and societal empowerment.
Appointments
- Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya takes on the education trifecta: Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training. Known for her progressive ideas, Amarasuriya is expected to focus on modernizing the education system and aligning it with global standards while addressing local disparities.
- Vijitha Herath, appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, faces the dual challenge of bolstering Sri Lanka’s international image and rejuvenating a tourism sector hit hard by global economic pressures.
- Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, assuming the dual portfolios of Health and Mass Media, will lead the charge on healthcare reforms and ethical media practices to combat misinformation.
President’s Core Portfolios
President Dissanayake’s decision to retain Defence, Finance and Economic Development, and the Digital Economy underscores the strategic importance of these ministries in his administration.
- Defence: National security remains a top priority amid evolving regional dynamics. Analysts predict a focus on modernizing the armed forces and strengthening intelligence networks to ensure stability.
- Finance and Economic Development: Inheriting a challenging economic landscape marked by inflation and external debt, the President is expected to focus on fiscal consolidation, investment promotion, and poverty alleviation.
- Digital Economy: The President’s vision for a digitized Sri Lanka includes expanding e-governance, fostering innovation, and enhancing digital literacy nationwide.
The diverse portfolio distribution indicates a commitment to addressing a range of challenges from grassroots development to technological advancement.
Social Empowerment and Gender Equity
- Saroja Savithri Paulraj, as Minister of Women and Child Affairs, is tasked with advancing gender equality and child welfare initiatives. This appointment aligns with the administration’s emphasis on inclusive governance.
Agriculture and Livelihoods
- K.D. Lalkantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation, has pledged to revitalize agriculture by introducing sustainable practices and ensuring food security.
Science, Technology, and Innovation
- Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, heading the Ministry of Science and Technology, is expected to spearhead research and innovation to drive industrial growth and global competitiveness.
Despite the promise of the new cabinet, challenges loom large. Key issues such as public debt, climate change, and social inequalities demand swift action.
- Economic Recovery: With over 50% of Sri Lanka’s revenue directed towards debt servicing, the Finance Ministry’s policies will be under intense scrutiny.
- Tourism Revival: Minister Vijitha Herath’s success in the Foreign Affairs and Tourism portfolios will be critical in restoring international confidence.
- Energy Transition: Under Kumara Jayakody, the Ministry of Energy is expected to accelerate renewable energy projects to reduce dependency on imported fuel.
The inclusion of portfolios such as Rural Development (led by Upali Pannilage) and Plantation and Community Infrastructure (under Samantha Vidyarathna) highlights the administration’s focus on uplifting marginalized communities.
Minister of Trade and Commerce, Wasantha Samarasinghe, is set to implement measures aimed at ensuring food security and stabilizing prices for essential goods, which remains a pressing concern for ordinary citizens.
- Harshana Nanayakkara, as Minister of Justice and National Integration, is entrusted with promoting harmony in a multicultural society. His role will also include judicial reforms aimed at increasing transparency and efficiency.
As Sri Lanka enters this critical juncture, the newly sworn-in cabinet is expected to deliver on its promises through collaborative governance and innovative solutions. Citizens and observers alike are watching closely, as the next steps taken by this administration will determine the nation’s trajectory.
The swearing-in ceremony, attended by political leaders, dignitaries, and representatives from various sectors, marks the beginning of what President Dissanayake has described as a “new era of resilience and progress.”
With the cabinet in place, all eyes are now on the first 100 days of governance. Will this team rise to the occasion and fulfill the aspirations of a nation yearning for stability and growth? Only time will tell.
List of Cabinet Ministers
- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake – Defence, Finance and Economic Development, and Digital Economy
- PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya – Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training
- Vijitha Herath – Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism
- Prof. Chandana Abeyrathna – State Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government
- Harshana Nanayakkara – Justice and National Integration
- Saroja Savithri Paulraj – Women and Child Affairs
- K.D. Lalkantha – Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation
- Anura Karunathilake – Urban Development, Construction, and Housing
- Ramalingam Chandrasekar – Fisheries
- Upali Pannilage – Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment
- Sunil Hadunnetti – Industries and Entrepreneurship Development
- Ananda Wijepala – Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs
- Bimal Rathnayake – Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation
- Hiniduma Sunil Senevi – Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs
- Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa – Health and Mass Media
- Samantha Vidyarathna – Plantation and Community Infrastructure
- Sunil Kumara Gamage – Sports and Youth Affairs
- Wasantha Samarasinghe – Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development
- Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena – Science and Technology
- Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando – Labour
- Kumara Jayakody – Energy
- Dr. Dammika Patabendi – Environment
