A contest has emerged over the next appointment to the critical post of Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, with incumbent Mahinda Siriwardana set to step down in mid-May.
Multiple news reports stated that Russell Aponso, a close confidante of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is the frontrunner for the position.
However, sections of the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance are pushing for K.A. Vimalenthiraraja, a senior Finance Ministry official overseeing investment and trade policy, to be considered instead.
Meanwhile, Colombo’s business community had backed Duminda Hulangamuwa, the senior economic advisor to the President, but sources confirmed he had declined the role.
The Secretary to the Finance Ministry is key in managing Sri Lanka’s fiscal policy, international negotiations, and economic reforms.
The appointment is highly significant, as the country faces a fragile recovery and ongoing debt restructuring.
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