President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Ms. Thanuja Murugesan as the new Chief Secretary of the Northern Province.

The official letter of appointment was presented to her on Tuesday (20) afternoon  at the Presidential Secretariat by Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

With the rapid increase in dengue and chikungunya cases in the Colombo district, President Anura Kumara Disanayake has directed the relevant officials to promptly address the urgent maintenance of the canals and drainage system

The President gave these directives during a meeting held on Tuesday (20) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, along with other relevant institutions.

The President questioned the officials regarding the inadequate maintenance of the canals and drainage systems, directing the Urban Development Authority to devise a plan that includes sustainable solutions for the improper disposal of waste and wastewater. The President also informed the relevant officials to submit the relevant plans promptly.

During the meeting, attention was also drawn to address the issue of improper waste disposal by enhancing the active involvement of Police Environmental Protection Division and Community Committees.

Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing Anura Karunathilaka, Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yusoof, the Chairman of the Urban Development Authority, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation and senior officials of relevant institutions were present at the meeting.