News

SLAS senior to be HC in London, several new dpl appointments

Published

1 month ago

2025/02/9

(by Sujeeva Nivunhella in London)

Senior Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) officer and former Senior Consultant at the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), Nimal Senadheera, has been nominated as Sri Lanka’s next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Senadheera, who took leave in 2023 to pursue higher studies at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, completed his Master of Science (MSc) in Public Policy in January 2024.

This is not his first tenure in the foreign service. He previously served as a Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from June 2010 to March 2014 beforebeing posted to the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa. He held the position of Minister Counselor there before being promoted to Minister.

Senadheera’s nomination follows the recall of former High Commissioner to London, Rohitha Bogollagama. Until Senadheera officially assumes duties, Deputy High Commissioner Manori Mallikarachchi is serving as Acting High Commissioner.

Meanwhile, several other diplomatic appointments have been made by the Sri Lankan government. Maheshini Colonne has been named Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, while former Air Force Commander Udeni Rajapakse will go as High Commissioner to South Africa.

Also, Prof. Arusha Cooray has been named as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, and Prof. Nirmala Rathnayake has been nominated as the country’s envoy to Japan. Former Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya has been selected as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, while journalist Sonali Samarasinghe, widow of the late Lasantha Wickrematunge, has been nominated as Minister Counsellor to the same mission.

A former journalist from Ravaya has been nominated as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Cuba.

The new diplomatic appointments come as part of the NPP government’s efforts to revamp Sri Lanka’s foreign service and strengthen international relations.

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Two books written based on parliamentary legacy presented to PM

Published

7 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was presented with two books namely ’Darkness at Daybreak’ by . Nandasiri Jasen Thuliyan and ’Memories of 33 Years in Parliament’ by Attorney-at-Law Nihal Senewiratne on March 15, at the Parliament premises.Both publications were written based on parliamentary recollection of events. Notably, Mr. Nihal Senewiratne, who served as the Secretary General to Parliament for 17 years, authored ’Memories of 33 Years in Parliament’ based on his extensive 33-year tenure in parliamentary service.The event was attended by the Attorney, Mrs. Dhanushki Liyanapatabendi.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Strengthen law enforcement processes to protect public law and order without any external influence – President

Published

8 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Disanayake instructed police chiefs of the Southern Province to carry out their duties without any influence. The President further stated that his government would facilitate this process by ensuring political authority provides the necessary assistance.

President Disanayake made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with police chiefs of the Southern Province.

The President emphasized that everyone must abide by the country’s fundamental laws and stated that enforcing these laws is the responsibility of the police department.

During the discussion, police chiefs of the Southern Province briefed the President on reports related to organized crimes and drug-related offenses. In response, President Disanayake instructed officials to take all necessary measures swiftly to combat crimes.

He also directed the officers to strengthen law enforcement processes to protect public law and order without any external influence.

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Southern Province police chiefs were also present at the discussion.

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President holds discussions with Western Province Police chiefs

Published

8 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that steps will be taken to provide the necessary facilities to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse, as well as to introduce new legislation.

The President made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with the police chiefs of the Western Province.

He emphasized that maintaining the rule of law is a key responsibility of the Police Department.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake further stated that a just society cannot be established in Sri Lanka without ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law.

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Western Province police chiefs were also present at the event.