Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Cabinet of Ministers took their oaths today before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. The new Cabinet, consisting of 21 ministers, brings together a mix of experienced leaders and new faces, tasked with guiding the country through its current challenges. The appointments span key sectors, including education, foreign relations, agriculture, health, and infrastructure, signaling the administration’s commitment to addressing both immediate concerns and long-term goals.
Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has been appointed as Prime Minister, while also taking on the role of Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education. Her leadership is expected to focus on improving the education system and expanding opportunities for vocational training. Vijitha Herath has been appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, with a mandate to rebuild Sri Lanka’s international relations and revive the crucial tourism sector, which has suffered in recent years.
Professor Chandana Abeyratne will serve as Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, focusing on decentralizing power and improving local governance. Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara has been assigned the role of Minister of Judiciary and National Integration, a position that will require balancing judicial reforms and fostering unity across Sri Lanka’s diverse communities.
Saroja Paulraj has been appointed as Minister of Women and Child Affairs, tasked with advancing policies to protect and empower women and children. K.D. Lalkantha, an advocate for rural issues, will oversee the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation, aiming to improve food security and boost the agricultural sector. Anura Karunathilaka has been assigned to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing, where he will focus on modernizing infrastructure and promoting affordable housing solutions.
In the field of fisheries, Ramalingam Chandrasekhar will lead the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Marine Resources, focusing on sustainable practices in managing Sri Lanka’s marine resources. Dr. Upali Pannilage will oversee Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment, aiming to uplift rural communities and strengthen the social safety net.
Sunil Handunnetti has been appointed Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneurship Development, with a focus on boosting the industrial sector and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship. Ananda Wijepala will take on the role of Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, focusing on strengthening law enforcement and overseeing parliamentary functions.
Bimal Ratnayake will serve as Minister of Transport, Highways, and Civil Aviation, focusing on improving the country’s transport infrastructure and enhancing connectivity. Professor Hiniduma Sunil Senevi has been appointed Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious Affairs, and Cultural Affairs, where he will work to preserve and promote Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and religious values.
Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa will take charge as Minister of Health and Mass Media, focusing on public health reforms and ensuring a balanced approach to media reporting. Samantha Vidyaratne has been appointed Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure, focusing on revitalizing the plantation sector and improving community-based infrastructure.
Sunil Kumara Gamage will oversee Youth Affairs and Sports, where he will work to inspire the youth and foster sports development across the island. Wasantha Samarasinghe will lead the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, working to secure Sri Lanka’s food supply and strengthen trade relations. Professor Krishantha Abeysena has been appointed as Minister of Science and Technology, focusing on advancing technological innovation.
Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando will serve as Minister of Labour, with a mandate to protect workers’ rights and promote job creation. Punya Sri Kumara Jayakody has been appointed Minister of Energy, where he will oversee the nation’s energy policies and work toward achieving greater energy security. Finally, Dr. Dhammika Patabendi will take on the role of Minister of Environment, working to address environmental issues and promote sustainability.
