by A Special Correspondent in Colombo
The appointment of the Secretary to the Ministry of Health remains in limbo, even as other ministries have successfully filled their positions. According to a reliable source within the Ministry of Health, who wished to remain anonymous, the process has been delayed due to unusual circumstances. Adding to the complexity, the same Secretary may also be tasked with overseeing the Ministry of Media, should the appointment proceed as anticipated.
Sources report that disparities between senior ministry officials and trade unions are at the heart of the issue, leaving this critical position vacant. “There are unresolved differences which have caused this delay,” the source revealed.
The swearing-in ceremony for other key secretaries, including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Cabinet Secretary, and secretaries for 16 other ministries, took place last Thursday, 19 November 2024, at the Presidential Secretariat. The event was officiated by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President.
Meanwhile, the inaugural Cabinet meeting of the new government, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, saw the appointment of the Minister of Health and Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, as the Cabinet Spokesman.
