The Sri Lankan government has denied reports suggesting a leadership reshuffle within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following claims published by the Sri Lanka Guardian regarding changes to senior diplomatic and administrative positions.
Speaking to the Sri Lanka Guardian, Thushara Rodrigo, Director General of International Security Cooperation and Public Diplomacy, rejected reports that the government is planning to appoint Ambassador M.R.K. Lenagala as Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He stated that no such reshuffle has taken place within the ministry’s administration and described the claims as inaccurate.
Earlier, the Sri Lanka Guardian reported, quoting reliable sources who wished to remain anonymous, that Lenagala, currently serving as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Austria, was expected to return to Colombo before the completion of his term to assume the post of Foreign Secretary. The report also stated that incumbent Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja was likely to be appointed as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to France, following the conclusion of the tenure of Manisha Gunasekara.
Responding to these claims, Rodrigo further stated that Mr. Lenagala is a junior officer within the Sri Lankan Foreign Service, indicating that reports attributing a senior administrative appointment to him were incorrect.
Rodrigo emphasized that there has been no official decision or administrative action to support the reported changes.
