Govt. justifies retaining key officials despite pre-election criticism

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe

Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriawardana

The incumbent Government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday defended its decision to retain key State officials despite the ruling party’s pre-election criticism of their roles.

Addressing the inaugural post-Cabinet meeting media briefing of the new administration, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath justified that their dismissal during the transition period till a new Government is formed could disrupt critical State functions.

“The three officials Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriawardana and Government Printer Gangani Liyanage are currently involved in managing some of the critical functions in the State mechanism. The Government has assessed how we should act during this period and we do not wish to change everything immediately and disrupt the State machinery,” he stressed.

Herath said the Central Bank Governor and Treasury Secretary are involved in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, whilst the Government Printer is responsible for the upcoming General election, adding that her extended term is in any case coming to an end by December 2024.

When asked whether retaining the officials implied an endorsement of their actions under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration, Herath dismissed that idea, noting that stability during the transition is the priority.

He also stated that the Government has reduced the number of Ministries from 28 and retained many Secretaries to avoid unnecessary disruptions. “We did not go for a complete reshuffle. Most Secretaries are still the same, he added.

Addressing allegations against certain Ministry Secretaries and public servants, the Cabinet Spokesman clarified that while no immediate legal action would be taken during the interim period, the Government may reconsider such cases in the future. 

Herath reiterated that decisions regarding public officials would be made judiciously, especially when handling sensitive matters like the IMF program.

He also noted that the Central Bank operates independently, with the Governor appointed through a separate system, further justifying the decision to retain Dr. Weerasinghe.