No changing of state institution heads sans President’s approval

Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has sent a letter to all ministries informing that the heads of state institutions or members of board of directors should not be changed without consulting the President.

The letter which was issued on August 11 and addressed to all secretaries including additional secretaries in charge of administration, said the heads of state institutions would continue in their positions as they were appointed by the Select Committee appointed by the President.

The letter was titled, “The appointment of Chairmen and Board of Directors of State Enterprises, Institutions, Corporations, Statutory Agencies and Government owned companies.”

It said, “The President has directed that all Chairmen, Members of the Board of Directors of State Enterprises, Institutions, Corporations, Statutory Agencies and Government owned Companies will continue to hold their positions in order to ensure continuity in their respective work initiated, since their appointments to respective positions have been made by the Selection Committee appointed by the President.

“Please note that any change of prevailing positions requires prior concurrence of the President,” the letter said.

It further advised the secretaries to brief the newly appointed Ministers and Secretaries about these instructions.

The letter was signed by Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and a copy has also been sent to Gamini Senarath, Secretary to the Prime Minister.